Stainless steel water tumblers found with excessive lead levels. ECOWASTE COALITION

The EcoWaste Coalition has raised alarm over hazardous lead levels found in painted stainless steel water tumblers marketed for children. Four tumblers purchased from stores in Manila and Mandaue City tested positive for excessive lead levels in an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) screening conducted by the non-governmental organization. Among the tumblers, a teddy bear-themed design contained 32,820 ppm (parts per million) of lead—over 360 times the regulatory limit set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Other tumblers featuring Felix the Cat and Pompompurin characters had lead levels of 12,320 ppm and 4,060 ppm, respectively, while a “Future Life” tumbler showed 27,560 ppm. “These lead levels far exceed the DENR’s 90 ppm threshold,” the group said. EcoWaste emphasized that the lead in paint used on tumblers poses ingestion risks to children as the paint chips or deteriorates. According to the World Health Organization, lead exposure can lead to irreversible health damage, including cognitive and behavioral issues in children. The NGO called on authorities to enforce stricter compliance with lead limits, hold importers accountable, and implement a total ban on hazardous chemicals in children's products. “We urge parents to ensure the safety of the products they purchase for their children and to avoid tumblers with painted designs,” EcoWaste said. This warning comes years after the Philippines phased out lead use in decorative and industrial paints. Despite this, the presence of lead in consumer products remains a significant concern. ICA/Expat Media
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