Environmental group welcomes probe on toxic chemicals in school supplies

Published by rudy Date posted on June 9, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – An environmental group yesterday welcomed the promise made by the Department of Education to investigate the use of toxic chemicals in school supplies and products for children.

Last Monday, Ecowaste Coalition said commonly distributed school supplies in the market are laced with phthalates, such as di (2-ethylhexyl) or DEHP.

Phthalates, it said, are toxic additives to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic products to give it softness, flexibility and durability.

In a radio interview, Education Secretary Mona Valisno said the department would look into the presence of health-damaging chemicals in children’s products.

The group wants a national ban on children’s products laced with phthalates. Citing a study done by the University of Illinois Medical Center, Ecowaste said DEHP disrupts the function of the endocrine system, affecting normal growth and development among children.

The United States and the European Union have banned the use of phthalates in children’s toys and childcare articles.

The US Environmental Protection Agency said DEHP is also a probable human carcinogen.

The study showed that products found to have high levels of DEHP were green long plastic envelope (19.881 percent), PVC plastic book cover (18.997 percent), PVC notebook cover (18.543 percent), PVC plastic lunch bag and PVC backpack (both with 17.120 percent DEHP). –Rhodina Villanueva (The Philippine Star)

June 2025

Philippine Environment Month!
“Action for Nature, for the Future!”


Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations
against serious violations of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.

Accept National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar.  Reject Military!

#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideosturesVideos

Time to support & empower survivors. Time to spark a global conversation. Time for #GenerationEquality to #orangetheworld!

Monthly Observances:

  1 Jun – World Day of Parents

  5 Jun – World Environment Day 

  7 Jun – World Food Safety Day 

  8 Jun – World Oceans Day

12 Jun – World Day Against Child Labour

15 Jun – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 

16 Jun – International Day of Family Remittances 

17 Jun – World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

20 Jun – World Refugee Day 

25 Jun – Day of the Seafarer 

27 Jun – Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day

 

 Daily Observances:

June 6: Migrant Workers Day

June 19: Filipino Youth Day 
June 25: Day of the Filipino Seafarer

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