Toxic chemicals found in school supplies

MANILA, Philippines — School supplies sold in parts of Metro Manila contain harmful chemicals, according to watchdog group BAN Toxics.

Based on its recent monitoring of stores and sidewalk vendors in Makati, Manila, Pasay and Quezon City, the group detected cadmium, lead and phthalates in school bags, water containers and lunch boxes, among others.

Regulatory agencies should conduct post-marketing surveillance, on-site inspections and verifications and intensify confiscation efforts, BAN Toxics advocacy and campaign officer Thony Dizon said.

He said lead and cadmium levels in school supply samples reached up to 9,000 parts per million and 720 ppm, respectively.