Public warned against coloring materials loaded with toxic chemicals

Parents, teachers, and students have been cautioned by a toxics watchdog about the perils of using creative coloring materials loaded with toxic chemicals as activities in schools pick up with the resumption of in-person classes.

In a statement Friday, August 26, the EcoWaste Coalition issued a warning about toxic art materials after it was able to purchase crayon and watercolor sets that had previously been confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to contain heavy metals.

On August 20, the group said it bought FDA-warned MPC Classique Water Colors and Fairyland Crayons for P336 per dozen (or P28 each) and P180 per dozen (or P15 each) from vendors of school supplies in Binondo, Manila.

“Crayons and watercolors are typically used by children 12 years of age or younger. It’s very important for these familiar art materials to be safe from lead and other hazardous chemicals,” EcoWaste coordinator Aileen Lucero said.

As it is not uncommon for children to put objects in their mouths, she said the government must ensure that school supplies are toxic-free.

The FDA had issued Advisory 2017-272 to warn the public from buying or using the aforementioned watercolor set, which contained lead above the maximum allowable limit of 90 parts per million (ppm).

According to FDA Advisory 2018-008, consumers should avoid purchasing and using the aforementioned crayons and two other school supplies because they "have been verified to contain unacceptable levels of heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, and mercury, based on FDA safety standards."

Per Advisory 2018-008, lead exposure in children can cause neurological damage, delayed mental and physical development, attention and learning deficiencies, impairment of cognitive functions of the brain, and hearing problems.

Long-term cadmium inhalation exposure can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and chronic kidney disease, whereas mercury exposure, even in small amounts, can cause serious health problems and endanger the child's development in utero and early in life, it added.

Apart from MPC Classique Water Colors and Fairyland Crayons, the EcoWaste Coalition warned consumers to avoid other FDA-warned art materials that may still be on store shelves, such as Artex Fine Water Colors, Xiao Yiren Water Colors, Ultra Colours Crayons, Leeho Crayons, and Leeho Crayons.