Manila playgrounds found to have high lead content

MANILA, Philippines - At least 16 of the 29 swings, see-saws, monkey bars and other facilities in four children’s playgrounds in the city of Manila have high lead content, the EcoWaste Coalition said in its report released yesterday.

The environmental group said that based on the findings of an X-ray fluorescence analyzer, the lead content in the paint of the play equipment exceeded the 90 parts per million (ppm) safety limit set by the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

The lead testing were done at the Rizal Park Children’s Playground in Ermita, Plaza Azul along Quirino Avenue in Pandacan, Plaza de la Virgen in West Zamora street in Pandacan and Dakota Playground in Adriatico street in Malate.

The play equipment at the Dakota playground has the highest lead content ranging from 44,800 ppm to 200,700 ppm, the report said.

Thony Dizon, coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Project Protect, said their findings should stir the city government to undertake lead hazard assessments and remedial actions to ensure that playgrounds and other facilities frequented by children are safe from dangerous chemicals.