Group warns consumers against cancer-causing chemical present in some lucky charms
With Chinese New Year fast approaching, many are expected to purchase lucky charms in the hope of attracting luck and good vibes.
The EcoWaste Coalition, however, issued a warning to consumers to be wary of charms that might contain toxic and harmful materials.
“We caution consumers from buying and wearing lucky bracelets with ox components that are often made of cadmium alloy,” said Thony Dizon, Chemical Safety Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition, in a statement.
Cadmium is a heavy metal material with symbol Cd and atomic number 48.
“Cadmium belongs to the Priority Chemicals List (PCL), or those chemicals that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau has determined to pose unreasonable risk to public health, workplace, and the environment.
“Globally, cadmium is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) among the 'ten chemicals of major public health concern.'”
The group purchased 12 ox-inspired lucky bracelets sold between P35 to P250 per piece in Quiapo, Manila.
Alarmingly, seven out of the 12 charms were found to contain high levels of cadmium ranging from 118,500 to 287,800 parts per million (ppm) based on X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) screening results.
“These products would be illegal to sell in Europe, which prohibits cadmium equal to or greater than 100 ppm in jewelry due to the concern that children could be exposed to this toxic chemical through skin or oral contact with such jewelry,” shared Dizon.
He further stated, “As the manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale of lucky charms are not regulated, we advise consumers to exercise their legal rights, including their rights to information, product safety and redress, when making a purchase of lucky charms in retail stores or from online dealers.”
Cadmium as materials for jewelries and fashion accessories has been banned by the European Union government.
Authorities cited that cadmium as “harmful to human health because it accumulates in the body, can damage organs and it may cause cancer.”
Chinese New Year will take place on Friday, February 12.
Despite reminders to stay indoors, authorities are bracing for the influx of people in Binondo, Manila to purchase products related to the occasion.
“Despite the subdued celebration this year because of the pandemic, the group is concerned that luck seekers will still visit specialty stores or shop online to obtain a few lucky charms to enhance good health and fortune during the Year of the Metal Ox,” said the EcoWaste Coalition.