The EcoWaste Coalition has warned the public against the surface coatings of some magnets used in classroom science experiments, which the toxic watchdog group says may contain high levels of lead that can pose health hazards to young learners.
The group said five of the 13 magnets that it purchased for P10 to P329 per set from stores selling school supplies in the cities of Caloocan, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, and Marikina failed the national standard restricting lead in paint to not more than 90 parts per million (ppm).
An X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) device detected violative levels of lead above 3,000 ppm on the surface paints of the analyzed magnets, it said.
According to the EcoWaste Coalition, the red paint on the bar and U-shaped of one product, for example, had 3,485 and 6,280 ppm lead, respectively.
It also noted that none of the lead-containing magnets had lead warning signs or labels, adding that some of the magnet sets contain small objects that can be a choking hazard.
As part of the group’s back-to-school campaign for chemical safety and zero waste, EcoWaste Coalition coordinator Aileen Lucero said they purchased samples of magnets and had them screened for lead, a brain-damaging chemical banned in the production of paints, toys, and school supplies, including science kits.
“Our investigation shows that the red coatings of some magnets are lead paint, which can result in lead exposure as the surface paint cracks and deteriorates over time with frequent use and is unknowingly ingested by a child,” she said in a statement.
The EcoWaste Coalition said it has already reported its findings to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and requested the agency initiate the necessary action to protect young learners from lead-painted magnets.
The DENR Administrative Order 2013-24 strictly prohibits the use of lead and its compounds in the manufacture of paints, as well as toys and school supplies.
The group emphasized that all products manufactured and marketed for children’s use must be safe from hazardous chemicals that can jeopardize a child’s healthy growth and development.