Environmental group welcomes probe on toxic chemicals in school supplies

MANILA, Philippines - An environmental group yesterday welcomed the promise made by the Department of Education to investigate the use of toxic chemicals in school supplies and products for children.

Last Monday, Ecowaste Coalition said commonly distributed school supplies in the market are laced with phthalates, such as di (2-ethylhexyl) or DEHP.

Phthalates, it said, are toxic additives to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic products to give it softness, flexibility and durability.

In a radio interview, Education Secretary Mona Valisno said the department would look into the presence of health-damaging chemicals in children’s products.

The group wants a national ban on children’s products laced with phthalates. Citing a study done by the University of Illinois Medical Center, Ecowaste said DEHP disrupts the function of the endocrine system, affecting normal growth and development among children.

The United States and the European Union have banned the use of phthalates in children’s toys and childcare articles.

The US Environmental Protection Agency said DEHP is also a probable human carcinogen.

The study showed that products found to have high levels of DEHP were green long plastic envelope (19.881 percent), PVC plastic book cover (18.997 percent), PVC notebook cover (18.543 percent), PVC plastic lunch bag and PVC backpack (both with 17.120 percent DEHP).