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)
September 18 –
International Equal Pay Day
“Increase wages now,
more than other cost items.
For widespread, practical equality!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
October –
Monthly Observances:
Industry and Commerce Safety Month
National Statistics Month
Local Government Month
Consumer Welfare Month
Cooperative Month
National Quality and Productivity Improvement Month
National Health and Wellness Tourism Month
National Indigenous Peoples Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Elderly Filipino Week
Week 2: National Health Education Week
Local Government Week
National Mental Health Week
October 17-23:
National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty
October 18 – 24:
United Nations Week
Last Week:
Nurses’ Week
Consumers’ Protection Week
Week of the 4th Sunday:
Barrio Farmers’ Week
Daily Observances:
First Monday (Oct 4): Universal Children’s Day i
n the Philippines
Oct 5: National Teachers’ Day
Oct 10: Local Government Day
Third Thursday (Oct 14): Conflict Resolution Day
Oct 21: Tenants’ Emancipation day
Oct 24: United Nations Day
Oct 29: National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
