By Zaldy Comanda BAGUIO CITY – The local government has banned the use and sale of wet wipes and other similar products with harmful ingredients. Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan said Mayor Benjamin Magalong has signed an ordinance that imposes the ban, based on the EcoWaste Coalition’s warning on the presence of harmful chemical compounds in wet wipes which may trigger skin allergies and may cause contact dermatitis. EcoWaste Coalition is a non-profit environmental group that envisions a Zero Waste Philippines and addresses climate and chemical safety issues. According to EcoWaste, the six products that allegedly contain harmful chemical compounds such as methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MIT), and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) are Dong Bang, Dong Bang Yao Baby Tender, Family Treasure Baby Tender, Sky Fire Baby Tender, Giggley Baby Wipes, and Super Soft Skin Care Wet Towel. These wet wipes and other similar products will now be banned in his city, and individual and business establishment have been enjoined to surrender these products to avoid penalty. “Some of these baby wipes/products were found to be sold at the city’s grocery stores, black market, supermarkets, and convenience stores; and the continued sale of these products supposedly for hygiene is disturbing,” the ordinance read. Pursuant to the ordinance, the City Health Services Office (CHSO), in coordination with the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) and the barangay officials, is authorized to conduct inspection in establishments, and confiscate the prohibited products followed by an inventory on the confiscated items identifying the name of the establishment, its location, the type and number of the confiscated items, and the mode of disposal conducted. The CHSO is also enjoined to coordinate with the FDA and the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) to identify environmental-friendly modes of disposal of confiscated products. READ MORE: Environment groups calls for banning of baby wipes with hazardous chemicals