Government to ban cyanide in jewelry cleaning fluids

MANILA, Philippines – The government is set to ban toxic substances, particularly cyanide, as ingredients for jewelry cleaning solutions.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje said as early as 1997, Administrative Order 39 was issued to control the industrial importation, handling, use, distribution and disposal of cyanide and cyanide compounds.

The directive applies to all importers, distributors and industrial users on electroplating, mining and metallurgy, steel manufacturing, plastic production and jewelry-making, he added.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other agencies recently held a multi-sectoral consultative meeting with civil society and industry sector members who had been clamoring for stricter measures to control the use of silver jewelry cleaners found to contain cyanide.

During the meeting, it was agreed that the Food and Drug Administration will register jewelry cleaners that do not contain cyanide.

The Bureau of Trade Regulations and Consumer Protection will ban the sale of unlabeled items, particularly jewelry cleaners, and tap retailer or supermarket associations to do the same in their outlets.

The Bureau of Product Standards will also review the possibility of subjecting silver jewelry cleaners to Philippine Standard certification.

Paje said the agencies have also agreed to implement a stricter monitoring system for permits and clearances of facility owners, as well as the sale of cleaners that have not been duly tested, registered, labeled and certified cyanide-free.

“A ban on the use of such substances will also provide legal basis for confiscation, and help put a stop to illegal ‘cottage operations’ that proliferate their use,” he said. “Labeling containers is vital in preventing risks from poisoning. Suppliers, distributors and retailers should also prescribe a safety data sheet informing the consumer about the contents, specifications and handling information of their products.”

However, Paje said nothing beats exercising extra care in avoiding toxic chemicals.

“Accidents can be avoided if adults practice safety standards in their own homes, by properly storing, sealing and conspicuously labeling potentially harmful chemicals,” he said. “They can also use safer alternative solutions for cleaning their jewelry.”

A boy died earlier this year after drinking from a bottle that contained cyanide-laced jewelry cleaner, according to the University of the Philippines–National Poison Management and Control Center.

The boy’s death was among nine reported in the first half of 2010, of which five were pediatric cases, according to a report.

Cyanide and cyanide compounds are considered highly toxic to humans and aquatic life even at low concentrations. They can be fatal because when absorbed, they can deprive the body of oxygen.