FDA warns vs. school supply products with high level of heavy metals

The Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines (FDA) on Saturday warned the public against the purchase and use of certain school supply products found with "unacceptable" levels of heavy metals, which may lead to adverse health effects on children.

The FDA said it found "unacceptable" levels of lead, cadmium, and mercury on the following products:

• 12 in 1 Pencil
• Fairyland 16 Crayons
• Leeho Glitter Fabric Paint Pens

"In light of the above, the public is advised not to purchase and use the aforementioned violative products," the FDA said.

"Moreover, all local government units and law enforcement agencies are requested to ensure that the above-identified products are not sold or made available in their localities or areas of jurisdiction," the FDA added.

It said that children's hand-to-mouth behavior as well as their innate curiosity predisposes them to put objects in their mouth resulting to unintended exposure to multiple hazardous substances that may be contained in such objects.

Citing a study by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the FDA said the adverse health effects associated with lead exposure in children may have long-lasting or permanent consequences, including neurological damage, delayed mental and physical development, attention and learning deficiencies, neuro-cognitive deficits, and hearing problems.

Meanwhile, the principal effects of long-term exposures from inhalation of cadmium and cadmium compounds are chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and emphysema, and chronic renal tubular diseases from inhalation and oral exposures.

The CPSC report also cited that depending on the dose and duration of exposure to cadmium, effects have been observed in multiple organ systems and tissues, including kidney, liver, and bone.

Exposure to mercury even in small amounts, according to the World Health Organization, may cause serious health problems, and is a threat to the development of the child in utero and early in life. —Ted Cordero/ALG, GMA News