People in the Philippines are warned against ‘Labubu’ glasses containing poisonous lead

MANILA: Three glasses decorated with “Labubu” characters contained high amounts of lead, a chemical pollution advocacy group said on Monday (Nov. 25).

EcoWaste Coalition reported that the cups are part of six unofficial “Labubu” merchandise items sold for P275 (US$4.66) each.

More than 1,000 parts per million (ppm) of lead was detected in three glasses (pink, red and yellow) scanned using an X-ray fluorescence analyzer.

The allowable lead limit for paint is 90 ppm.

“While reusable cups are a great alternative to the ubiquitous disposable bottles and cups, these eco-friendly alternatives must be protected from hazardous substances such as lead in paint, which can chip over time and eventually be ingested when used over and over again,” the group said in a statement. user,” he said.

It has been stated that exposure to lead, even at low doses, is harmful to health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), young children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of lead and may suffer lasting adverse health effects, particularly on the development of the central nervous system.

Lead causes long-term harm in adults, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, and an increased risk of kidney damage.

Meanwhile, exposure to lead during pregnancy can cause reduced fetal growth and premature birth.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Executive Order 2013-24, or Chemical Control Order for lead and its compounds, phased out decorative and industrial paints containing lead in December 2016 and December 2019.

An additional publication by the Environmental Management Bureau confirmed the mandatory use of additional lead-free paints in the manufacture of toys and related children’s products after the phase-out deadline in 2016.

The EcoWaste Coalition recommended that the national government designate the regulatory agency responsible for enforcing the ban on lead paint in consumer products such as water glasses, including removing non-compliant ones from the market.

It also called on importers to bring only products with original certificates of conformity to the 90 ppm lead limit for paints.

Retailers and online sellers have also been asked to request such certifications from suppliers before offering painted water glasses for sale.

Consumers are advised to insist on product labeling information and their rights to quality and non-hazardous products. – Philippine Daily Investigator/ANN