As the holiday season approaches, a new study from BAN Toxics sheds light on a silent but alarming threat to childrenโs safety: toxic chemicals lurking in plastic toys. Released as global leaders gather in Korea for the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, the report exposes the dangers of plastic pollution and its dire implications for public health, particularly for children in the Philippines and Bangladesh.
Alarming Findings: Toxic Toys in Our Homes
The study, Not Suitable for Children: Toxic Chemicals in Plastic Toys Sold in Bangladesh and the Philippines, reveals that hazardous substancesโincluding arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercuryโare widespread in toys sold in both countries. Among 257 toys sampled from bargain stores in Metro Manila and Dhaka, 62.64% contained chemical levels that far exceeded safety standards, posing significant risks to children and their families.
Using advanced X-ray fluorescence screening, researchers discovered harmful concentrations of bromine, chlorine, and toxic heavy metals in many toys. Bromine levels in Philippine samples ranged from 4 ppm to 1,300 ppm, while chlorine was detected in 74 toys, 55 of which had concentrations exceeding 10%. These chemicals are linked to toxic by-products that harm both health and the environment.
Health Risks Hidden in Plain Sight
โThese toys are a ticking time bomb for childrenโs health,โ warned Winona Garcia, co-author of the study and a member of BAN Toxicsโ Policy Development and Research. โExposure to these chemicals can cause devastating effects, from cancer and neurodevelopmental issues to cardiovascular and kidney damage.โ
High levels of heavy metals in the toys classified them as hazardous waste under Philippine law. For instance, cadmium was found at concentrations over 100,000 ppm, while lead and mercury reached levels as high as 4,600 ppm. The dangers extend beyond physical health, threatening communities already grappling with limited healthcare access.
A Global Problem with Local Implications
The transboundary nature of the hazardous toy trade compounds the problem. Many of the toys sampled, including the infamous Shrilling Chicken, were imported from Chinaโthe worldโs largest toy manufacturer. Despite bans by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration in 2020 and 2024, the Shrilling Chicken remains widely available, highlighting gaps in enforcement and regulation.
โThe same hazardous toys are reaching children in both the Philippines and Bangladesh,โ Garcia explained. This shared risk underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations and cross-border enforcement to prevent toxic toys from entering markets.
Disproportionate Impact on Low-Income Families
Toys priced between โฑ55 and โฑ192.50 ($1 to $3.50) dominate bargain stores, making them accessible to low-income households. Unfortunately, these affordable options often bypass safety standards, putting vulnerable families at greater risk. โThese communities already face significant barriers to healthcare, making exposure to toxic chemicals even more devastating,โ said Thony Dizon, BAN Toxics campaigner and advocacy officer.
Calling for Action
The study highlights key recommendations to address these risks:
- Stricter Regulations: Align national toy safety standards with international guidelines, focusing on banning chemicals with carcinogenic and neurotoxic effects.
- Transparency and Traceability: Implement harmonized labeling to ensure clear information about chemicals used in toys.
- Enhanced Enforcement: Strengthen regulatory agencies to monitor, remove, and prevent hazardous toys from reaching the market.
BAN Toxics is also urging the Philippine delegation at the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations to advocate for ambitious measures addressing plastic pollution.
Protecting Future Generations
โThis study is a wake-up call for governments, manufacturers, and consumers alike,โ said Siddika Sultana, Executive Director of ESDO. โWe must work together to create safer standards and protect children from these hidden dangers.โ
As the holiday season unfolds, the study serves as a stark reminder that not all toys bring joy. For the sake of future generations, the fight for safer, toxin-free toys must continueโensuring every child has the right to grow up in a healthier, safer world.
