As retailers begin showcasing items for early back-to-school shopping, chemicals and waste watchdog BAN Toxics warned parents to take extra caution when buying school supplies, as some products may contain toxic substances that put children’s health at risk.
In a recent market monitoring, the group found various school supplies being sold by ambulant vendors and retail stores, including bags, water containers, lunch boxes, notebooks, pens and pencils, plastic covers, crayons, erasers, watercolors, and rain gear such as raincoats. Some items were improperly labeled or lacked product information.
“School supplies should be completely free from hazardous chemicals, as children are especially vulnerable to toxic exposure. Proper labeling helps verify product safety and enables parents to make informed choices,” said Thony Dizon, toxics campaigner at BAN Toxics.
“We urge parents and the public to read product labels carefully and stay vigilant in checking for safety information to help protect children from toxic exposure,” he added.
Regulatory agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Food and Drug Administration and Department of Environment and Natural Resources have issued guidelines and reminders for consumers when buying school supplies. They also ensure manufacturers comply with regulations prohibiting harmful chemicals in children’s products.
In 2024, the Department of Trade and Industry issued a guide titled “Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies,” cautioning the public that products labeled “non-toxic” should provide proof that they meet toxicity limits set by the FDA and the country of manufacture.
Meanwhile, the FDA also issued an advisory reminding parents, teachers and consumers to exercise caution when purchasing school supplies, especially those used by very young children.
Last year, BAN Toxics found traces of toxic chemicals in several school supplies, including a kiddie backpack that contained 11,900 parts per million of lead and a water container with 48,000 ppm. All contaminated items lacked complete product information and warning labels essential for consumer health and safety.
“BAN Toxics calls on national agencies to conduct on-site inspections of school supplies in public markets and malls to ensure sellers comply with product safety standards. Consumers must have access to affordable, quality and non-toxic school supplies that do not pose health risks to children,” the group said.
The group reiterated the following reminders from the FDA advisory for buying school supplies:
Read labels carefully.
Choose supplies suitable for your children.
Periodically check supplies for breakage or wear that may cause injury or health risks; discard damaged items properly.
Buy from reputable retailers.
Consult a physician immediately in case of accidental ingestion or adverse health effects.
Contact the FDA if safety or health-related problems arise.
As part of its Toxics-Free Schools Campaign, BAN Toxics will step up market monitoring and test buys during the back-to-school season to identify hazardous chemicals in children’s products and promote safer school supplies. PR