THE EcoWaste Coalition has urged manufacturers and sellers of toy and childcare products to comply with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) standards after noting high levels of lead in a toy gardening set.
The group said in a statement Thursday that dealers in such products, including those online, must check whether their products are registered with the FDA, and if they hold a certificate of conformity signifying compliance with national lead paint standards.
EcoWaste conducted chemical sampling using an x-ray fluorescence device on a toy shovel and spade from a product called “Jin Feng Kinder-Gartengerate” set, which yielded lead content of up to 27,100 parts per million (ppm).
They said this was over the 90 ppm threshold of the Environment department’s Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds, which covers toys, paints and cosmetics.
“The group finds the detection of lead on the Jin Feng kiddie shovel and spade worrisome as the lead-containing paint will surely age, peel and break with frequent use and cause the lead in paint to get discharged into the soil,” EcoWaste said.
According to the group’s Chemical Safety Campaigner Thony Dizon, complying with the registration scheme will help implement lead paint regulations meant to protect children.
He added that retailers should only offer registered products which meet safety standards, including the 90 ppm lead paint limit.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no safe level of lead exposure for children.
Exposure to lead may “adversely” impact children, causing brain and nervous system damage, slowed growth, and hearing and speech problems, the CDC said. — Angelica Y. Yang
