Ilang laruan at baby care products may lason – EcoWaste Coalition

Sa gitna ng pagdiriwang ng National Children’s Month at Christmas shopping season, pinag-iingat ng EcoWaste Coalition ang publiko laban sa pagbili ng mga mapanganib na laruan at baby care products na nagtataglay ng kemikal na phthalates.

Ang phtalates, ang synthetic chemicals na ginagamit para mapalambot ang polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, ay natuklasan sa sample na laruan at baby care products na binili at sinuri ng EcoWaste Coalition.

“Our investigation shows that phthalates in toys and child care articles, including products typically used by babies, remain to be a threat to human health despite existing restrictions on their uses,” ayon kay Aillen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “Strengthened and expanded regulations, including chemical ingredient transparency, are needed to protect fetuses and children from phthalates and other EDCs in products and the environment.”

“The endocrine system plays a critical role in regulating every aspect of human growth, development and overall health.  Exposure to phthalates and other EDCs even in tiny amounts can disrupt the essential functions of the endocrine system and lead to hormonal imbalances, which may result in reduced intellectual capacity, reproductive disorders, weakened immune system, and other behavioral and health issues,” saan naman ni Dr. Geminn Louis Apostol, environmental health specialist, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health.

Ayon sa grupo, maaaring maisubo ng mga bata ang mga bahagi ng laruan at baby care products o makain ang mga ito.

Kabilang sa mga laruan na may phthalates ay ang plastic na ulo ng manyika, pares ng laruang boxing gloves, at mini soft basketball. Habang sa baby products naman ay ang plastic lining ng reusable panty para sa mga baby, baby diaper changing mat, baby hib, at baby inflatable chair.

Kapag nakain ang kemikal na phthalates, maaari itong makaapekto sa hormone functions at magdulot ng problema sa kalusugan katulad ng asthma and allergic illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, neurodevelopmental disorders tulad ng attention deficits, learning difficulties at intellectual disability, at reproductive health disorders tulad ng genital abnormalities at undescended testicles para sa sanggol na lalaki, reduced sperm counts at testosterone levels sa adult males.

Para maiwasan ang pagka-expose ng mga bata sa phthalates sa laruan at baby care products, narito ang payo ng EcoWaste Coalition sa mga consumer:

—  Steer clear of products made of PVC, vinyl or plastic marked #3.
—  Refrain from buying soft and squeaky plastic toys unless certified phthalate-free.
—  Avoid plastic products with a strong chemical smell.
—  Purchase duly authorized and labeled products from licensed distributors, wholesalers and retailers.
—  Look for reliable phthalate-free marks on the product label.

“In this season of shopping and giving, we renew our call on manufacturers to make and offer for sale toy and child care articles that are duly labeled and safe from phthalates, heavy metals, flame retardant and other hazardous substances,” ayon sa  EcoWaste Coalition.