CHRISTMAS ALERT: Kiddie bouncy and squeaky plastic toys sold in local markets contain toxic chemicals

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With Christmas fast approaching and shoppers gearing up for their gift-giving, safe toy advocate BAN Toxics issued a warning to the public concerning the sale of bouncy (also known as inflatable hoppers) and squeaky plastic toys that might contain toxic chemicals. Chlorinated paraffins are widely used in various plastics, especially in children’s toys, and pose severe health risks. They have been linked to liver and kidney damage, disruptions in the endocrine system, potential cancer risks, developmental brain impairments, and threats to reproductive health.

Recent market surveillance conducted by BT Patrollers revealed the sale of these risky toys in stores along Baclaran, Pasay City. The bouncy toys were priced between Php 300-350, while the squeaky plastic toys ranged from Php 60-150.

Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), utilized as flame retardants, adhesives, sealants, and secondary plasticizers, were banned globally under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants back in 2017.

A study published by the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) in October this year revealed alarming levels of these toxins in toys. Analysis conducted at a certified laboratory of the Institute of Food Analysis and Nutrition at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Czechia, confirmed that all plastic toys tested contained both SCCPs and MCCPs (Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins). Concentrations of SCCPs ranged from 1-60,400 mg/kg., while MCCP concentrations varied from 1-73,800 mg/kg. The highest concentrations of both SCCPs and MCCPs (48,800 and 91,700 mg/kg) were found in inflatable plastic bouncing toys.

“The manufacture, sale, and use of these toxic chemicals in plastic toys should be prohibited in the Philippine market since it is already banned under the Stockholm Convention to prevent potential health risks to children,” said Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics.

Calling for immediate action, Dizon added, “We urge the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to take necessary measures to eliminate the use of SCCPs and MCCPs in plastic toys, safeguarding children from harmful exposure.”

As a signatory to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) since 2004, the Philippines is mandated to eliminate, restrict, and reduce the production, use, and trade of listed POP chemicals, which include SCCPs. This mandate also necessitates environmentally sound management of POP stockpiles and wastes.

The lack of adequate and proper labeling exacerbates the issue, given the widespread global production of chlorinated paraffins. This highlights the critical need for transparency and traceability in plastic product materials to facilitate informed decision-making throughout the product value chain.

“We urge our lawmakers to enact legislation prohibiting the use of toxic chemicals, especially in children’s products including toys. Transparency and traceability measures in the production of plastic toys are crucial. Banning the manufacture, sale, and use of these toxic substances is paramount to safeguarding children’s health and the environment,” BAN Toxics added.

Link to IPEN’s Study: https://ipen.org/sites/default/files/documents/chlorinated_paraffins_report-102023.pdf

PSCS, PHLPost invites public to visit “Stamps Bazaar”

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The Philippine Stamp Collectors Society (PSCS) in cooperation with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) invites the public to join the “PSCS Stamps Bazaar” in celebration of 2023 National Stamp Collecting Month and the 256th Anniversary of the establishment of the Philippine Postal System on November 25, 2023 (Sat.) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM to be held at the lobby of Quezon City Central Post Office located along NIA Road in Quezon City. Carrying the theme: “Affordable Stamps, Fun for Everyone”, stamp collectors in the Philippines will gather to reaffirm its support for the Post Office in propagating the enjoyable hobby of stamp collecting.

Open to the public, lots of raffles and fun-filled activities await those who will visit the event.

Veteran and young generations of stamp enthusiasts have proven that the popularity of stamps in everyday life of Filipinos has not disappeared even with the popularity of the internet.

“Whatever area of collecting you wish to collect; there is an enormous amount of information available to help you enjoy the hobby. The best place to start is by joining a stamp club. Online groups on messenger or viber can be reached anytime and real-time.

After reaching the first step, now you can try and decide which kinds of stamps or envelopes you'd like to collect”, Melai Macasero (Prince King Seville) said in a statement.

Philately or stamp collecting has been around for over a hundred years in the country and has enticed millions of people from all over the world. Postage stamps could be likened to a miniature art collection, library or museum of world icons.

Stamps are categorized into topics such as the environment, world cultural celebrities and national heritage, landscapes or animals, sports and heroism among others.

“Good luck, and remember—enjoy yourself, because the main reason for collecting stamps is for the fun of it”, Jorge Cuyugan, President, Philippine Stamp Collectors Society said.

VP Sara leads Last Mile School buildings simultaneous inauguration in Bicol, Leyte

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Vice President of the Philippines and Secretary of the Department of Education Sara Z. Duterte on Thursday led the simultaneous inauguration of newly-constructed buildings of Last Mile Schools (LMS) in Bicol region and the island of Leyte.

VP-Secretary Duterte, together with Senator Imee Marcos, personally turned over the LMS building in Dororian National High School in Gigmoto, Catanduanes in the morning and Cristo Elementary School in Donsol, Sorsogon in the afternoon.

Aside from the two schools, seven more LMS buildings were inaugurated, including Bato RDHS in SDO Catanduanes; San Miguelay Elementary School and Himokilan Elementary School in SDO Leyte; and Amaga Elementary School, Cat-iwing MG Elementary School, Bulawan Primary School, and Carnaga Elementary School in SDO Southern Leyte.

“Ang Last Mile Schools program po ay programa ng Department of Education kung saan hinihiwalay natin ang kanilang budget dahil sila ay priyoridad ng Department of Education. Ito po ‘yong mga lugar na GIDA areas o Geographically Isolidated and Disadvantaged Areas na pinapa-prioritize ang pagbigay ng pondo para sa kanilang pasilidad, kasama na ang classroom,” VP-Sec. Duterte said.

Last Mile Schools are those with less than four classrooms, usually makeshift and non-standard ones; with no electricity; and are usually located more than an hour away from the town center, only accessible through difficult terrains, and are located in far-flung mountains and isolated islands, among others.

In her speech, Duterte also emphasized the importance of peace and collaboration among community members to strengthen development efforts.

“Paalala ko lang po sa ating mga residente dito sa Gigmoto, dito sa Catanduanes, na kailangan po ang suporta natin ay ibigay natin sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Gigmoto, sa ating Mayor, sa ating Vice Mayor, sa ating mga konsehal, sa ating mga bagong pili na Barangay Captain para po isa lang ‘yong direksyon kung saan papunta o gusto ninyo kung saan ninyo gusto pumunta ang inyong municipality of Gigmoto dahil po kapag nagkakaisa ang lahat sa isang lugar ay nagiging malakas ‘yong lugar at nakikita ninyo ‘yong pagbabago at kaunlaran doon sa inyong lugar,” she said.