A health and environmental watchdog detected alarming
levels of lead, a highly toxic substance, in glasses with colorful fruit and
flower designs and also in mugs decorated with Christmas symbols, which are
common gift ideas during the yuletide season.
The EcoWaste Coalition, a group dedicated to reducing childhood and
occupational exposure to lead, rang the alarm bell after screening a total of
35 samples (12 pieces of glass tumblers and 23 pieces of ceramic mugs) for
heavy metals using a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer.
The group conducted the probe to generate data that will show the need to ban
lead in glazes and paints used for food contact articles such as glasses, mugs
and plates in the Chemical Control Order for lead and lead compounds being
crafted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental
Management Bureau.
The recent filing by Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of Resolution 2812 asking the House
Committees on Health and Trade and Industry to conduct an investigation on the
need to regulate lead and other chemicals of concerns in mugs and related
products provided another impetus to initiate the probe.
The 35 samples were purchased from
October 14-16, 2012 from bargain stores located in the cities of Mandaluyong,
Manila and Quezon for P20 up to P99.
Of the 12 glasses analyzed, lead was detected in all the samples in the range
of 14,700 parts per million (ppm) to 56,600 ppm, with the average lead content
at 39,100 ppm, exceeding the US limit of 90 ppm used as a benchmark for lead in
paint.
Of the 23 mugs, lead ranging from 106 ppm to 20,900 ppm was detected in 18
samples, with the average lead content at 12,025 ppm.
While no detectable levels of lead were found in five mugs, elevated levels of
either cadmium, chromium or both were found in all of them.
Aside from lead, significant quantities of toxic metals above levels of concern
were detected in all the 35 samples, including antimony (the highest level
found was 1,121 ppm), arsenic (6,734 ppm), cadmium (9,296 ppm) and chromium
(9,622), which may bring about multiple chemical exposures.
“We were shock to find extreme amounts of lead on beautifully decorated glasses
and mugs that directly touch the lips of users, including children, and may
come in contact with the beverage or food that is consumed,” said Aileen Lucero
of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Project Protect.
Some of the tainted samples were embellished with popular yuletide emblems such
as Santa Claus and his reindeers, Christmas trees, stars and other ornaments,
she noted.
“Since lead is highly toxic and builds up in the body, health specialists
recommend that we avoid lead as exposure even to minute levels may have a
lifelong consequences, especially for developing fetuses and children,” she
said.
“Lead-containing glazes and paints should not be used in beverage and food
containers, vessels and utensils as a precaution against the possibility of
lead leaching or seeping,” she emphasized.
“Also, dinnerware sold in the country should be properly marked to indicate if
lead-based glaze or paint was used on the products. Consumers have the right to
know what’s on their glasses, mugs and plates. There should be warning labels
on items with lead,” she added.
To guard against lead exposure from beverage as well as food containers, the
EcoWaste Coalition advises consumers to take the following precautions:
– Refrain from buying items, especially highly decorated ones, with no written
assurance of being lead-safe. Check the labels.
– Avoid use of lead-glazed or lead-painted cups, glasses, mugs and plates,
especially for hot beverages and foods.
– Do not store pickled fruits and vegetables, fruit juices and other acidic
foods or preparations in ceramic containers, including collectibles or antiques
that may contain lead.
-Do not store beverages in lead crystal containers.
– Do not feed babies from lead crystal bottles (breastfeed or opt for lead-free
glass bottles or BPA-free plastic bottles).
-Do not use ornamental kitchenware or tableware to prepare, serve or store
drinks and foods. Watch out for “Not for Food Use” or “For Decorative Purposes
Only” warnings and follow them.
According to the United States Environmental Protection
Agency, exposure to lead can result in learning disabilities; attention deficit
disorder; decreased intelligence; speech, language and behavior problems; poor
muscle coordination; constipation; sleeping disorders; high blood pressure;
muscle and joint pain; birth defects; and damage to the nervous system and
kidneys.
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