Group warns vs toxic swimming toys

MANILA, Philippines - As the summer season sets in, the group EcoWaste Coalition cautioned the public yesterday against buying swimming toys that may contain health-damaging chemicals.

Thony Dizon, coordinator of Eco­Waste’s Project Protect, said inflatable swimming floats, rings and related toys in the market – mostly made of polyvinyl chloride plastic – may be loaded with phthalates, which are used to make PVC more flexible, the group said.

Dizon said studies show exposure to phthalates, which are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), have been linked to a number of health problems, including deformed penises and undescended testicles, cleft palate and other developmental abnormalities; premature puberty; shorter pregnancy duration and birth defects.

Phthalates are also linked to asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, obesity and cancer.

The European Union, the United States and the Philippines have taken action to minimize phthalates in children’s products, particularly toys.

Under the Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order 2009-0005 A as amended in 2011, children’s toys containing over one percent phthalates are prohibited.

“Parents can use their purchasing power to compel manufacturers to offer toys that are safe from phthalates in line with the DOH policy,” Dizon said.

To avoid exposing children to phthalates in swimming toys, EcoWaste said parents should choose phthalate-free, non-PVC products.

“They should always read product labels; avoid those carrying plastic symbol 3 and those marked PVC or vinyl,” said Dizon, adding that products with a strong plastic or chemical smell should be avoided.