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)
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
“Safety and health at work every day!”
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 #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
March – Women’s Role in History Month
April – Month of Planet Earth
Weekly Observances:
Last Week of March: Protection and Gender Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week
Last Week of April – World Immunization Week
Daily Observances:
Mar 25 – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transallantic Slave Trade
Mar 27– Earth Hour
Apr 21 – Civil Service Day
Apr 22 – World Earth Day
Apr 28 – World Day for Safety and Health at Work
