Baguio City bans 6 wet wipe brands over alleged health hazards

Baguio City government banned six wet wipe brands following experts' warnings that such products contained chemical compounds that were health hazards.

Last month, the local government prohibited wet wipe six brands: Dong Bang, Dong Bang Yao Baby Tender, Family Treasure Baby Tender, Sky Fire Baby Tender, Giggley Baby Wipes, and Super Soft Skin Care Wet Towel.

Signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong on January 28, the ordinance noted that the products allegedly contained the chemical compounds ethylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MIT), and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC).

"The enumerated wet wipes and other similar products found to contain the aforementioned ingredients were now prohibited in the city," the Baguio City council said in a Facebook post. 

"Some of these baby wipes/products were found to be sold at the city’s grocery stores, black market, supermarkets, and convenience stores; and the continued sale of these products supposedly for hygiene is disturbing," the ordinance read.

The ban comes amid warnings from non-profit environmental group The EcoWaste Coalition that chemical compounds in the products could trigger skin allergies as well as cause contact dermatitis.

Violators faced a P1,000 fine for the first offense or immediate closure for those without business permits.

Repeat offenders would have to pay P3,000 for the second offense and face closure of their business, and P5,000 and non-renewal of business permits were the penalties for the third offense.

"Individuals or business establishments that will surrender banned products will not be penalized," the Baguio City council said. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA News