Just in time for the holiday shopping rush, a study released by BAN Toxics and Bangladesh-based Environmental and Social Development Organization (ESDO) discovered that toxic chemicals were found in toys sold in Bangladesh and the Philippines, which can cause significant health risks, particularly for low-income communities.
The study titled, Not Suitable for Children: Toxic Chemicals in Plastic Toys Sold in Bangladesh and the Philippines, found that a significant number of the 257 plastic toys sampled from bargain stores in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Metro Manila, Philippines, contained hazardous chemicals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury, with traces of bromine and chlorine.
This release coincides with the Philippine government delegation and international leaders convening in Korea for the Global Plastics Treaty to address plastic pollution.
“Using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) screening, 161 toys – 62.64% of the total – showed chemical levels exceeding safety standards in both countries, posing serious health risks to children and their families who come into contact with them,” said Winona Garcia, member of BAN Toxics’ Policy Development and Research and co-author of the study.
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According to Garcia, bromine and chlorine were also detected in more toy samples from the Philippines than toxic heavy metals. Other toxic heavy metals also exceeded safety standards, enough to classify the toys as hazardous waste under DENR’s Revised Procedures and Standards for the Management of Hazardous Wastes.
The health effects of the said toxic chemicals are also worrisome. For instance, Arsenic is associated with cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and neurodevelopmental issues. Lead is linked to occupational cancers, intellectual disability, heart disease, kidney damage, and infertility. While Mercury can cause neurocognitive and behavioral disturbances, renal damage, and cardiovascular issues.
Thony Dizon, campaigner and advocacy officer of BAN Toxics, highlighted some recommendations to address the gaps in regulation on toy safety and chemicals in plastics:
- National toy safety standards should align with international guidelines.
- Transparency and traceability measures, such as harmonized labeling of chemicals used in toy production, are essential for improving monitoring and control.
- Enhancing the enforcement of legal requirements, particularly for imported toys.
“Existing evidence calls for ambitious, genuine pro-people actions that take into account the interests and rights of the people and future generations of Filipinos in addressing the urgent issue of plastic pollution,” Dizon added.
The study is part of a series of activities between BAN Toxics and Bangladesh’s ESDO to ensure the safety of children’s products.