Group warns of toxic Halloween masks, costumes

MANILA, Philippines - Environment watchdog EcoWaste Coalition cautioned the public yesterday that some Halloween masks and costumes contained high levels of heavy metals such as antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury.

None of the samples tested by the group provided information on their ingredients to inform and warn consumers, the EcoWaste said.

“It’s high time for manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers to fully disclose the chemical contents of the products they make and sell, and replace toxic chemicals with safer substitutes,” said Thony Dizon, coordinator of EcoWaste’s Project Protect.

Using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, the group screened 60 products, ranging in price from P10 to P350, from high-end retail stores as well as from vendors in Divisoria, Manila. The samples were obtained on Sept. 26 and 27 and subjected to XRF screening on Sept. 28.

Out of 60 products, 17 (28 percent) were found to contain at least one toxic metal above levels of concern. EcoWaste said 10 samples contained 2,091 parts per million of lead, violating the United States lead paint standard of 90 ppm.

Out of these 17 tainted products, seven had more than one toxic metal.

The group advised parents to make their own Halloween costumes or, if they really need to buy, to make sure to check that the product is safe for children.