BALITANG NASYONAL: 'BAN Toxics' educates Bulacan community on chemical safety in 'National Poison Prevention Week'
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, BULACAN -- In observance of 'National Poison Prevention Week', environmental justice organization 'BAN Toxics' intensifies efforts in promoting poison prevention awareness and chemical safety in the community. Anchored on this year's theme "Lasong Umahon sa Pabago-Bagong Panahon: Iba't Ibang Sektor Magsitugon", BAN Toxics calls for community action against the dangers of toxic exposures.
This builds on the foundation of Presidential Proclamation #1777, issued in late-June 2009 by former Philippine president 'Gloria Macaraeg Macapagal-Arroyo', which declared the 4th week of this said month and the awareness event. Proclamation #1777 was issued in response to the rising cases of poisoning by promoting awareness and the widespread dissemination of information. It aims to empower all sectors of the society to recognize the risks, identify symptoms and take proactive steps to prevent poisoning at home and in the community.
In line with this, BAN Toxics organized a 'Knowledge-Sharing Seminar' on 'Poison Prevention at Home and in Schools' as part of its 'Toxics-Free and Waste-Free Schools Programme' (TFSP). Around 80 students, teachers and parents attended the seminar at 'Benito Nieto Elementary School' (BNES) in 'Barangay Muzon, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan' Tuesday (June 26th, 2025 -- Bulacan local time).
The seminar sought to create a healthy, sustainable and safe environment by creating awareness of poison prevention; mobilizing parents, educators and local leaders to help in safe chemical management and encourage partnership among the key sectors to safeguard the people against being exposed to toxic chemicals that had not been seen in your naked eye: "Preventing poisoning begins with awareness at the grassroots level. Children are especially vulnerable to toxic exposures, with medicines, household items, school supplies, and toys containing hazardous chemicals that pose serious health risks", said Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of the said EJO.
During the seminar… 'Dr. Annabelle M. Sinlao', Vice Chairman of the Committee on Environmental Health and Ecology of the 'Philippine Medical Association' (PMA) spoke about poison prevention at home and in schools around Bulacan, she stated that awareness and caution are the first steps in creating a healthier community. A study conducted by BAN Toxics in late-November 2024 found that 62.64% of 257 sampled plastic toys exceeded established safety limits, containing lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, as well as traces of bromine and chlorine.
In a more recent market sampling conducted by the group this June, a children's backpack featuring some unlicensed fictional cartoon and gaming characters like 'My Little Pony', 'Sonic the Hedgehog', 'Roblox', etc. was found to contain 18,900 parts per million (ppm) of lead, while a red-painted water container showed 12,000 ppm, both significantly surpassing the allowable regulatory thresholds. Other school supplies tested, including pencils, crayons, sharpeners, erasers, plastic envelopes, watercolor sets and vinyl paper clips, were also found to contain traces of other hazardous chemicals such as arsenic, antimony, barium, cadmium and chromium.
BAN Toxics remains a leader of health and environmental advocacy against toxic chemicals in the country. The group is urging the government to tighten control on the manufacture and importation of children products and the community to be cautious particularly when buying plastic products.
The group pushing for stronger enforcement of the Republic Act #10620 or the 'Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013' and appeals to the 20th Congress to reintroduce and pass the "Safe and Non-Hazardous Children's Products Act", a bill unanimously approved by the 18th Congress in 2017 but left unenacted during the Duterte administration: "We urge all sectors to come together in addressing toxic exposures in our homes and schools. Every child has the right to a clean, safe, wastes-free and toxics-free environment. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that no child suffers from exposure to harmful chemicals", Dizon concluded.
PHOTO COURTESY: BAN Toxics via PR BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna
-- OneNETnews Online Publication Team
