IPEN Participating Organization Arnika, based in the Czech Republic, recently found concentrations of toxic substances in several samples of commonly available summer shoes and drinking glasses. Chemical analysis was commissioned of footwear and printed glasses, and DEHP and DiBP, which are phthalates especially hazardous for human hormonal and reproductive systems, were found in the shoes, as well as lead. Children's shoes specifically were tested, because children are particularly vulnerable to the hazards of phthalates and heavy metals.
Florence, Italy. Some toys that are designed to exercise the mind may contain toxic chemicals from recyled electronic waste, which can damage the central nervous system and reduce children’s intellectual capacity.
IPEN (a global civil society network promoting safe chemicals policies and practices) and Arnika (an environmental organization in the Czech Republic) aired this observation following the announcement of the results of a global survey on toxic chemicals in brain toys at a scientific conference on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Florence, Italy.
Press Release: EcoWaste Coalition, a non-profit watch group tracking toxic chemicals in products and wastes, lauded fast food giant McDonald’s Philippines for voluntarily recalling promotional back packs, sling bags and bag tags that contain lead, a hazardous substance.
The voluntary recall will be conducted starting today August 26 until October 24, 2016 by suppliers MZM Souvenirs and F Colors with McDonald’s full support and cooperation as announced by Golden Arches Development Corp., the master franchise holder of McDonald’s restaurants in the Philippines.
The recall was the outcome of the EcoWaste Coalition’s chemical investigation showing lead in the accessible substrate material of the black back pack as it reported to McDonald’s Philippines and US last August 8.
New Delhi, India: Triclosan, a chemical having endocrine properties has been in use in various products including personal care, health care, sports items and household items. The varied applications of Triclosan are attributed to its anti-bacterial properties and hence, can also be used as a preservative. It is commonly used in hand washes, soaps, dish washing soaps, cosmetics, shampoos, deodorants, mouthwashes and toothpastes.
New Delhi, 09 May 2016 : Unknowingly you could be exposing your babies to some of the most toxic chemicals that are part of our everyday life and the exposure to chemicals is progressively growing, some of these chemicals are recognized as highly toxic and can interfere with our body’s hormonal system and seriously impact normal human growth. These chemicals are classified as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and are used in manufacturing of various products of everyday use.
The Arnika Association examined hundreds of pieces of printed china dishes, within the framework of its campaign Let's Eat Toxics Free. A vast majority of them, including goods for children, contained high lead concentration in the colour printing. A very alarming fact is that concentrations were often found in the order of tens of thousands ppm (parts per million) of lead.
24 May 2016, Quezon City. A waste and pollution watchdog group advised the public to steer clear of school supplies containing cancer-causing and endocrine disrupting chemicals as consumers take advantage of “back-to-school” promotional sales.