Group monitors lead content in toys

MALOLOS, Bulacan, Philippines — As Christmas approaches, the environment group Ban Toxics is monitoring the lead content of toys sold in public markets in Bulacan, other provinces and Metro Manila.

Thony Dizon, Ban Toxics advocacy and campaign officer, told The STAR that 215 toy samples tested since September were found to contain lead levels that ranged from 100 parts per million to as high as 6,000 ppm.

The acceptable lead limit in toys is set at only 90 ppm in many countries, including the US, European Union states and the Philippines.

Dizon said the toys that exceeded regulatory limits include play sets, dolls, toy cars and animal figurines that were sold in Baclaran, Pasay City and other public markets in Metro Manila.

He noted that the World Health Organization identified lead poisoning as a major global health concern, particularly for young children who absorb four to five times more lead than adults due to their frequent hand-to-mouth behaviors and natural curiosity.