It seems like it’s getting more difficult to come across non-toxic things.
“The EcoWaste Coalition says it has discovered lead and other toxic materials in some umbrellas sold in several areas in Metro Manila,” reports Chito A. Chavez on Manila Bulletin.
The report explained: “Using an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) device, the EcoWaste Coalition screened seven samples of colorful kiddie umbrellas costing PHP40 to PHP80 each and detected lead, a harmful chemical, up to 3,519 parts per million (ppm).”
Thony Dizon, coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Project Protect, explained that lead “was detected on the orange or yellow printed designs, and not on the umbrella fabric covers, handles, shafts, ribs, and stretchers.”
However, Dizon added that the leaded designs “may break off from the fabric through normal wear and tear, and may get into the hands and mouths children.”
Photo from MorgueFile (for illustration purposes only)
