Luigi warns public against buying cheap toys

CEBU, Philippines - Sixth district Rep. Luis Gabriel Quisumbing warns the public to be vigilant when buying cheap toys and accessories as these are said to have high lead and cadmium content.

“Christmas is barely weeks away, and retailers are increasing their stocks of children’s toys, accessories, and other goods. Hence, it is important that we together with the government agencies concerned ensure the safety of the public on the quality of toys, accessories, and other goods in the market,” Quisumbing said.

Quisumbing said although the public is already aware about it but many have not been informed about the presence of cadmium, which is more toxic.

And to inform the public more about the health hazards of both elements, Quisumbing recently filed in Congress House resolution 1946 which urges the committee on health and ther appropriate committees to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation regarding the flooding of toys and accessories in the market which are said to have high lead and cadmium content.

The legislator said there is a need to issue public health warnings to educate the consumers on its harmful effects especially to children.

In his resolution, Quisumbing said the report entitled “Global study to determine lead in new decorative paints in 10 countries” states that of 25 household paint samples taken particularly in Metro Manila,10 samples had lead content concentrations higher than 90ppm (parts per million) while nine samples had lead concentrations higher than 600ppm.

The report also states that lead is a heavy metal which is known as neurotoxicant that has been blamed to reduce intelligence quotients, developmental delays, speech and language problems, and other issues especially in growing children.

According to Health Canada, cadmium, which is found in cheap  children’s jewelry and accessories, is a rare element found in small deposits in almost every continent, and long-term exposure to lower level of cadmium in air, food or water leads to a buildup of cadmium in the kidneys and possible kidney disease, as it can also cause damage to lungs and fragile bones.  (FREEMAN NEWS)