Health experts warn vs lead-tainted toys

MANILA, Philippines - Doctors and health advocates expressed alarm over reports that a number of toys and consumer products sold in the country contain harmful amounts of lead, which is believed to be associated with slower brain development among children.

In a forum on lead contamination held in Quezon City yesterday, Manny Calonzo of the EcoWaste Coalition presented the results of tests that the group conducted on a number of toys and consumer products being sold in the country.

He cited the presence of high levels of toxins such as lead in toys and folding chairs for children, which were reportedly banned in European countries.

He also noted the supposed presence of toxins in some feeding bottles due to the lead-based paints that were used for the designs and the presence of lead in paintbrushes being used to apply basting sauce for barbecues sold on the streets.

In discussing the effects of lead on children, pediatrician Visitacion Antonio said there are studies that show exposure to lead result in lower academic performance and slower brain development.

She noted that children are more exposed to toxins because of their frequent hand-to-mouth activities.

“Our call is to protect our children and to promote children’s rights, safety and health,” said Philippine Pediatric Society president Melinda Atienza.

Hematologist Edwin Rodriguez of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine, meanwhile, said lead exposure could also result in blood disorders such as anemia.

EcoWaste coalition consultant Perry Gottesfeld added that adults exposed to lead might suffer from high blood pressure, kidney damage and higher rates of stillbirths and miscarriages.

Gottesfeld also noted that the global lead production has increased by 66 percent in the past 15 years. The sales in the Asia-Pacific region of architectural paints, which usually contain lead, have doubled between 2001 and 2011.

He called on government to pass regulations that will restrict lead content in industrial and architectural paints, as well as those that are being used in a number of consumer products.