Parents warned vs toxic crayons

(Representative photo of crayons)

By Gabriela Baron

Less than a week before the school opening, environmental group EcoWaste Coalition reminded parents to only purchase “non-toxic” crayons.

EcoWaste Coalition issued the reminder after purchasing products without the mandatory “non-toxic” and other labeling information.

It said that among the non-compliant products purchased by the group for P22 to P80 per set were Eagle Crayons, KM Rolling Crayons, BT 21 Jumbo Wax Crayons, Princesa Jumbo Crayons, and Smile Factory Jumbo Wax Crayons.

Citing authorities, the group said crayon product labels should contain the name of the product, net content, hazard symbols if applicable, address of its manufacturer or distributor, and country of origin.

They should also include the phrase “non-toxic” to indicate that it conforms to the government-set toxicity limits.

“Children tend to put objects such as erasers, pens, and crayons in their mouths,” EcoWaste Coalition National Coordinator Aileen Lucero said.

“If crayon, for example, contains a harmful substance like lead, putting it in a child’s mouth may cause her or him to ingest this toxic chemical,” Lucero added.

The Food and Drug Administration said lead exposure in children may have long-lasting or permanent consequences, such as neurological damage, delayed mental and physical development, attention and learning deficiencies, impairment of cognitive functions of the brain, and hearing problems. -ag

Popular

PBBM directs gov’t officials: Focus on work, avoid politicking

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet At the Malacañang press briefing this Wednesday, July 9, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press officer Claire Castro reiterated...

Nearly 12K cops to secure SONA — PNP

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said almost 12,000 police officers will be deployed to provide...

DSWD-D.A. tie-up brings P20/kg rice to 300-K ‘Walang Gutom’ beneficiaries

By Brian Campued Beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) “Walang Gutom” Program (WGP) are now eligible to purchase P20 per kilo...

Pro-transparency PBBM backs bank secrecy waiver for gov’t execs

By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is in full support of strengthening transparency and accountability in government, Malacañang...