EcoWaste warns of lead content in unofficial Labubu items

Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition has warned the public against buying unofficial Labubu items that might contain lead, a metal element that is harmful to humans.

In a statement on Saturday, EcoWaste said it observed that Labubu-inspired items have sprouted all over Divisoria, Manila, where imitation Labubu items such as stuffed toys, key chains, and phone accessories are being sold at affordable prices.

“As expected, the Labubu-inspired products, the toys in particular, are sold without the required authorization and labeling information. Out of the 42 items purchased by the group, five were partially labeled, and the rest had no labels at all,” EcoWaste said.

Of the 42 items, the group found that five contained lead following X-ray fluorescence (XRF) screening.

''Exposure to lead can affect multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children and women of child-bearing age,'' the World Health Organization said.

''Lead exposure can have serious consequences for the health of children. Exposure to very high levels of lead can severely damage the brain and central nervous system causing coma, convulsions and even death. Children who survive severe lead poisoning may be left with permanent intellectual disability and behavioral disorders,'' it added.

EcoWaste also observed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic in 24 of the 42 items.

According to EcoWaste, PVC plastic often contains several chemical additives, including lead that are used as stabilizers or colorants and phthalates as plasticizers.

EcoWaste called on parents to keep lead and PVC plastic products out of children’s reach and mouth and to pick labeled and authorized toys for kids.

PVC plastics are known as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) or chemicals that may block, imitate, or interfere with the body’s hormones, which can lead to asthma, abnormal genital formation, and behavioral problems. —VBL, GMA Integrated News