EcoWaste Coalition warns against carcinogenic glue in tire repair kit

Environmental and public interest group EcoWaste Coalition on Sunday warned cyclist against the use of "Red Sun" glue, an adhesive found in bicycle tire repair kits that contains carcinogenic chemical "1,2- dichloroethane" and has been recalled in Spain.

Red Sun glue has also been banned in Germany for containing high concentrations of benzene and toluene.

Prompted by the recall, EcoWaste checked bicycle shops in Quiapo and found that the product was being sold locally for P75.

“The glue may appear harmless but patiently reading the cautionary text written in tiny print will tell you how harmful its content is,” said Thony Dizon, EcoWaste Coalition’s Project Protect coordinator.

Red Sun has "danger" printed in capital letters on its packaging and contains the flame pictogram, as well as the skull and crossbones image, which indicates that the material is highly flammable and poisonous.

Other cautionary text include "Harmful vapor — can be vatal if swallowed" and "Extremley flammable — co ntains distillated petroleum." It also reads "use under well-ventilated conditions."

“As many scientists think there is no such thing as ‘safe level of exposure’ to a cancer-causing substance, we advise cyclists to be extra cautious and choose patch kit with safer glue,” Dizon added, "We further advise everyone to make it a habit to read the fine print. We have the right to know and be protected against harm."

Accidental ingestion of the substance can lead to death and according to a report by the National Toxicology Program, acute exposure leads to "central nervous depression, reduced blood pressure, and cardiac impairment" among others. —AT/ALG, GMA News