Philippine senators push for action on toxic children's products

Members of Congress in the Philippines have proposed three resolutions requesting action to reduce the use of toxic chemicals in children's product.

House Resolution 1669, proposed this week by Representative Anthony Del Rosario, has called for a congressional inquiry into the number of toys and school supplies containing dangerous chemicals following a recent investigation by Philippines based NGO the EcoWaste Coalition (CW 22 August 2011(http://chemicalwatch.com/8225/philippines-ngo-publishes-investigation-on-harmful-school-supplies?q=ecowaste) ). In a statement, Del Rosario said, "There is a need for Congress to seriously consider the alarming proliferation of these hazardous toys and school supplies because these elements can cause several health problems to children."

In August, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago proposed Senate Resolution 556 requesting an investigation to strengthen current regulations that will eliminate the use of toxic chemicals in children’s products. The draft Resolution outlined four key requirements of a strong safety policy for children's products. These are: to ban or restrict the use of toxic chemicals in children's products; to ensure consumers' "right to know", including labelling to promote consumer choice; to require manufacturers and importers to disclose chemicals in children's products as a condition for sale in the Philippines; and to promote the design and development of safer children's products using green design, safe natural materials, and green chemistry.

Also proposed last month was Senate Resolution 560, making a similar request for an inquiry by the Committees on Trade and Commerce, and Health and Demography, on the increasing number of toys with toxic and hazardous substances in the Philippine market with the aim of formulating stricter measures to protect children.

The three proposals are strongly supported by the EcoWaste Coalition. In a statement, Roy Alvarez, President of the coalition, said that a legislative inquiry “should pave the way for the enactment of a robust policy that will identify and phase out chemicals of concern in children’s products. The continued use of toxic inputs that can impair a child’s full development is unethical and totally unjustifiable.”

·   House of Representatives press release

·   Senate Resolution 556

·   Senate Resolution 560

·   Ecowaste Coalition statement