Group warns vs toxic Christmas gifts

MANILA, Philippines - Many toys and other items commonly sold as possible Christmas gifts contain toxic chemicals, environment watchdog EcoWaste said yesterday.

Thony Dizon said 32 out of 50 samples they bought from local markets were subjected to chemical analysis and were found to contain toxic chemicals at levels “that are totally unacceptable for products meant to spread Christmas cheer.”

EcoWaste said 14 out of 16 painted drinking glasses and mugs were laced with lead up to 44,400 parts per million, way above the 90 ppm threshold set by the United States in 2008.

The group said many of these drinking glasses and mugs were also found to contain antimony, arsenic, cadmium and chromium above “levels of concern.”

Dizon said these products are among the holiday gifts favored by buyers because they are affordable, attractive and easy to wrap.

EcoWaste said medical experts have warned there is no safe threshold for lead exposure, especially for children.

“We are appealing to manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and vendors not to market and sell toys and other Christmas gift items unless they have undergone rigorous testing and have been certified safe for children to play or use,” the group said.