EcoWaste warns parents of harmful chemicals in school supplies

MANILA, Philippines - Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition has asked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to test commonly used school supplies for toxic chemicals.

EcoWaste said the government should strictly enforce proper labeling of products and regularly issue safety advisories on products which may contain toxic chemicals. “It is the responsibility of parents to make informed choices that will protect their children, who are most vulnerable to chemical exposure from toxins that are in school supplies that they use everyday,” said retired chemist Sonia Mendoza of the EcoWaste and Mother Earth Foundation.        

EcoWaste is particularly concerned about the continued use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or plastic number 3, in school supplies and toys.

PVC is considered a poisonous type of plastic because of the use of cancer-causing chemicals to manufacture it. It also leaches chemical additives such as cadmium, lead, organotins and phthalates when used and produces dioxins when burned.

EcoWaste said phthalates, which are PVC softeners or plasticizers, can cause life-long health problems such as autism, asthma, as well as developmental, nervous, reproductive, and respiratory problems.                         

Because of the serious threat to children’s health, the United States in 2008 banned the use of PVC in toys.                    

New York-based non-government organization Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) said children are at risk even from small exposure.

The group has published the “Back-to-School Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies,” which offers practical tips on avoiding toxic school supplies.

CHEJ advises consumers not to buy backpacks with shiny plastic designs, plastic lunchboxes, and 3-ring binders.        

The guide can be downloaded from http://www.chej.org/publications/PVCGuide/PVCwallet.pdf