Toxic Hair Dyes Still on the Market: EcoWaste Coalition Calls for Urgent Action

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Despite regulatory bans aimed at protecting public health, hair dyes containing the dangerous chemical sodium perborate are still being sold in the Philippines. This alarming revelation, brought to light by the EcoWaste Coalition, underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of cosmetic safety laws to prevent hazardous substances from reaching consumers.

The Hidden Dangers of Sodium Perborate

Sodium perborate, a bleaching agent once commonly used in hair dyes, has been scientifically classified as a carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR) substance. This means it poses severe risks to human health, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, reproductive harm, and even potential damage to unborn children.

Regulatory bodies worldwide, including the European Union (EU), have banned sodium perborate in cosmetics due to its hazardous effects. The EU implemented this ban on December 1, 2010, following mounting evidence of its dangers. In response, the ASEAN Cosmetic Committee (ACC) followed suit, listing sodium perborate and other boron compounds in Annex II Part I of the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD)—a list of substances strictly prohibited in cosmetic products.

This decision, adopted in 2022, gave manufacturers a two-year window to reformulate their products. The official ban took effect on November 21, 2024, under FDA Circular No. 2023-007. Despite these regulations, the recent findings by the EcoWaste Coalition reveal a troubling lack of compliance.

Banned Products Still Available in Stores and Online

Market surveillance conducted by the EcoWaste Coalition found that locally manufactured powder hair dyes containing sodium perborate were still available in major chain stores across Makati, Manila, and Parañaque Cities. Even more concerning, these toxic products were also discovered on various online shopping platforms, making them accessible to unsuspecting consumers nationwide.

Although some manufacturers have introduced reformulated hair dyes free of sodium perborate, others have failed to fully remove the banned products from circulation. This highlights a serious gap in regulatory enforcement and industry compliance, putting countless consumers at risk.

EcoWaste Coalition Demands Immediate Action

In light of these findings, the EcoWaste Coalition is calling for urgent corrective measures:

Nationwide Product Recall – The Market Authorization Holder (MAH) must conduct an exhaustive withdrawal of all non-compliant products from shelves, ensuring complete removal across the country.

Retailer Compliance – Both physical and online retailers must inspect their inventory and immediately return any remaining stock of sodium perborate-containing hair dyes to suppliers for environmentally sound disposal.

Stronger FDA Enforcement – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must step up enforcement actions to hold non-compliant manufacturers and retailers accountable. This includes imposing stricter penalties on violators.

Public Advisory – The FDA should issue a follow-up advisory reminding the industry and consumers that sodium perborate, perboric acid, and boron compounds are banned in all cosmetic products.

What Consumers Need to Know

Consumers are urged to be vigilant when purchasing hair dyes. Here are some steps to ensure safety:

Check product labels for harmful ingredients like sodium perborate.

Purchase only from reputable sources that adhere to safety regulations.

Report any adverse reactions to the FDA or health authorities.

Follow all safety instructions when using cosmetics, including conducting a patch test before full application.

What’s Next? A Nationwide Follow-Up Investigation

To ensure compliance, the EcoWaste Coalition has announced plans for a follow-up market investigation on April 4, 2025, marking the second anniversary of FDA Circular No. 2023-007. This operation will assess whether retailers and manufacturers have fully removed non-compliant hair dyes from circulation.

The continued presence of hazardous chemicals like sodium perborate in hair dyes is a serious public health concern. Consumers, advocacy groups, regulatory agencies, and industry leaders must work together to eliminate these toxic products from the market once and for all.

Navigating Traffic Disruptions for Parades and Funeral Processions in the Philippines

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In the Philippines, blocking traffic for parades, including funeral processions, is a culturally accepted practice. These events, deeply rooted in tradition and religious observance, are often met with understanding from motorists and pedestrians alike. However, they must still adhere to specific guidelines to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions.

Understanding the Protocols

1. Coordination with Authorities

Organizers of parades or funeral processions are expected to notify local authorities, such as barangay officials or the police, before the event. This coordination allows for proper traffic management, potential rerouting, and the deployment of traffic enforcers if necessary.

Failing to secure proper authorization may lead to confusion, congestion, and possible legal repercussions. Local government units (LGUs) often have specific guidelines in place for such events, including designated routes and timeframes to mitigate excessive delays.

2. Cultural and Religious Sensitivity

Filipino culture places a high value on traditions, especially regarding funeral processions. It is customary for motorists to momentarily halt or give way as a sign of respect for the deceased and grieving family. Many consider this an unwritten rule of courtesy, reflecting the country's deep sense of communal respect and empathy.

Similarly, celebratory parades, such as those for town fiestas and religious festivities, are embraced by the public. These events showcase the vibrancy of Filipino traditions and often include marching bands, floats, and street performances.

3. Traffic Laws and Public Order

While there is an acknowledged tolerance for temporary traffic disruptions, there are still legal boundaries that must be observed:

Blocking roads without permission can lead to penalties, including fines or event stoppage by authorities.

Emergency lanes and main thoroughfares must remain accessible for first responders and essential services.

Events causing excessive congestion may be cut short or redirected by traffic enforcers.

Ensuring a Smooth Event

For those organizing or participating in funeral processions or parades, the following best practices can help maintain order while respecting both tradition and public convenience:

Secure Permits Early: Request approval from local officials and follow prescribed guidelines for road use.

Coordinate Traffic Flow: Work with enforcers to implement rerouting strategies and minimize bottlenecks.

Notify the Community: Announce the event in advance through local bulletins or social media to inform motorists and residents.

Follow the Approved Route: Adhering to designated paths helps prevent unnecessary disruptions.

Final Thoughts

Parades and funeral processions are integral to Philippine culture, reflecting the nation’s values of solidarity and reverence. However, balancing tradition with modern urban mobility requires careful planning and cooperation. By working with local authorities and being mindful of public convenience, these events can proceed smoothly while maintaining harmony on the roads.

From Borrower to Creditor—And Back Again: The Philippines’ Economic Journey

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"We went from borrower to creditor to deep in debt in less than a decade because we wanted “change”. We got the “change” we deserved, all right."

In a moment of financial prowess, the Philippines, once a borrower of international aid, emerged as a creditor nation in 2012. Under the administration of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, the country made history by pledging $1 billion to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to aid Europe during its sovereign debt crisis. At the time, the Philippines boasted a robust $77 billion in foreign exchange reserves—an achievement that allowed it to extend help to struggling economies abroad while securing its own economic stability.

This was more than a financial maneuver; it was a strategic move to protect the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Europe. A full-blown financial collapse in the region would have spelled disaster for Filipino workers, leading to mass layoffs, reduced remittances, and widespread economic hardship back home. By supporting Europe’s recovery, the Philippines was not only safeguarding global stability but also protecting its own citizens and their families from economic devastation.

However, history took a sharp turn. Despite the economic stability fostered under Aquino’s leadership, many OFWs who had benefited from these efforts later turned against him. The 2016 elections saw the rise of Rodrigo Duterte, a populist leader who openly criticized Western institutions. His administration, followed by that of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., steered the country down a dramatically different economic path. Within less than a decade, the Philippines’ debt skyrocketed to an astonishing 17 trillion pesos—more than triple the five trillion pesos inherited from Aquino’s tenure.

The transformation from borrower to creditor was an extraordinary milestone, but the country’s swift regression into deep debt has raised pressing concerns. Did the promised "change" truly benefit the nation, or did it serve as a costly lesson in economic mismanagement? As the Philippines faces mounting financial challenges, one crucial question remains—how long will it take to rebuild the stability it once had, and will history be allowed to repeat itself once more?

*From the post of Gerry Cacanindin