spot_img
25.9 C
Philippines
Saturday, February 8, 2025

Ecowaste Coalition warns of toxic lucky charms sold this Chinese New Year

Ahead of the Chinese New Year, the Ecowaste Coalition on Thursday raised concerns on the proliferation of lucky charm bracelets with high-cadmium ‘Pi Yao’ and other items laden with toxic materials.    

As part of the advocacy group’s activities in observance of the Zero Waste Month, it has analyzed several lucky charm bracelets with golden Pi Yao purchased from retailers in Quiapo, Manila for P35 to P95 each.

- Advertisement -

Out of the 25 beaded and red string bracelets procured, 18 were found to contain Pi Yao components with extremely high cadmium content in excess of 10 percent (or over 100,000 ppm) as measured by the group using a handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. 

In jewelry making, some manufacturers still use cadmium to add mass and weight to the item and make a lustrous finish, the coalition said.

The group noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the elimination of cadmium in products such as toys, jewelry and plastics to reduce cadmium releases as well as occupational and environmental exposure.

None of the 25 lucky bracelets were properly labeled and none of the high-cadmium items provided any cadmium content information and precautionary warnings, according to EcoWaste Coalition, keeping consumers in the dark about potential cadmium exposure risks, especially for children.

As ordinary consumers would not be able to differentiate lucky charm bracelets with a non-cadmium Pi Yao from those with a high-cadmium Pi Yao, the coalition stressed the importance of ensuring that such products are duly regulated, tested prior to sale, certified and labeled cadmium-safe.


Ecowaste Coalition also called on jewelry manufacturers, distributors and sellers to label and disclose the chemical composition of their products, including the hazards they pose, if any, to humans and the environment.

LATEST NEWS

Popular Articles