Ukulele makers, souvenir shops told to stop using lead-based paint

CEBU, Philippines - Along with environment conservation advocate groups, the local business community urged manufacturers and retailers of ukuleles and souvenir shops in the cities of Cebu and Lapu-Lapu to stop using leaded paint on their products and avoid causing health hazards among the buying public.

In a joint statement, the Philippine Earth Justice Center Inc. (PEJC) and the EcoWaste Coalition warned buyers of toxic lead that may be found on toy ukuleles as they reported findings of harmful chemical presence on the souvenir item.

Last July 22 and 23, they tested six unlabeled ukulele samples for toxic chemical contents which are bought for P100 to P200 each last July 22 and 23.

Using the X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer, the test showed that these ukuleles contained lead levels that are above the limit of the standard amount of 90 parts per million (ppm) for lead in paints and surface coatings in accordance to the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

The samples were also found to contain other toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium and mercury.

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Philip Tan said that there has to be government intervention on this matter since it concerns the safety and health of the public.

He added that local government units have to be responsible in overseeing whether manufacturers and distributors comply with the law stating that businesses are not allowed to manufacture any product that could result to adverse health effects of the consumers.

He cited that even if there are several choices for lead-free paint, manufacturers who implement cost-cutting practices in their operations still prefer to use those paint products that contain higher lead level since they are sold at cheaper prices.

He said that souvenirs like ukuleles could be considered export items since most of these buyers are foreign tourists who usually do not care much about the price but of the quality.

He said that it is ironic since the Philippines restrict other countries from importing products that have high lead content but Filipinos themselves manufacture and sell such. 

“The government should strongly require them to buy and use the appropriate paint material for these ukuleles. Competition will now come in so they will have to stay competitive. It should be health and safety first over profit,” Tan stated.

Cebu Business Club president Dondi Joseph echoed the same sentiments of the environmental health group, saying that such manufacturing technique on toy ukeleles sold in musical and souvenir shops in Cebu and Lapu-Lapu cities has to be changed.

“If we do not change, it will affect tourism revenues now that it is of public knowledge,” he said in a text message.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Lito Maderazo said that those who manufacture ukuleles with high lead content should definitely stop selling if in fact their products pose health hazards to their buyers. — (FREEMAN)