Banned water color brand sold in Lapu-Lapu City

CEBU, Philippines - An environmental group revealed that a  banned art material is being sold in Lapu-Lapu City.

EcoWaste Coalition, a Quezon City-based toxics watchdog, said that its AlerToxic Patrol visited Lapu-Lapu City on June 14 and was able to buy the banned “Artex Fine Water Colors” in at least three of the six stores visited by its team. The banned product is sold at P40 to P59.75 per set.

The Food and Drugs Administration banned the said product starting on May 29, 2014 after it was found to contain high levels of lead.

The FDA advisory states that Artex Fine Water Colors contain high levels of lead above the maximum tolerable limit of 90 parts per million.

The EcoWaste Coalition said that FDA officers were ordered to seize the said product, close down the unlicensed suppliers, and further continue monitoring unregistered school supplies and do-it-yourself products that may pose risks to the health of children

“Lead is a dangerous neurotoxin that can permanently damage a child’s developing brain if inhaled or swallowed and should not be present in school supplies and toys,” said  Aileen Lucero, the coalition’s coordinator.

Lead is strictly prohi-bited in the production of school supplies and toys under the “Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds” issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in December 2013.

Lucero’s group recently hosted the European Union-funded “Asian Lead Paint Elimination Project” workshop in Lapu-Lapu City that drew participants from 10 countries from Asia, Europe, and North America.

Lucero said that retailers should only sell school supplies that have secured market authorization to avoid selling items laden with lead and other hazardous substances that can hinder children’s growth and development.

Among the adverse health effects of lead exposure are delayed mental and physical development, learning deficiencies, shortened attention span, hearing difficulties, lower IQ, and behavioral problems.  (FREEMAN)