Warning out on lead painted water bottle

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition said it has found another stainless steel water bottle that is coated with dangerous  lead-containing paint.

“We are warning consumers not to buy one yellow painted stainless steel water bottle featuring a Rilakkuma-like character. The yellow paint contains over 40,000 parts per million (ppm) of lead that is way above the country’s lead paint standard of 90 ppm,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

The 260 ml. reusable water container measuring 16 cm. tall has the name “Rilakkuma” written on it along with an image of the fictional Japanese character. The group said it bought the bottle from a retailer for only P100.

However, it was unknown whether the product is an official merchandise or a counterfeit. The box packaging contains information in foreign characters. 

Based on the screening conducted by the group using a handheld X-Ray Fluorescence analyzer, the surface paint of the water bottler contains 40,490 ppm of lead.

“Lead is toxic if ingested and young children are most vulnerable to the adverse health effects of lead exposure. As a precaution, consumers are advised to immediately stop from using the said lead painted water bottle,” Lucero said.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources A.O. 2013-24, or the Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds, bans the use of lead in the manufacture of paints and a host of consumer products, including school supplies, to protect human health from lead exposure.

Lucero said the lead-containing yellow paint on the exterior of the “Rilakkuma” stainless steel water bottle will deteriorate over time due to regular use and wear and tear of the product. "The lead on the paint may end up being ingested by a child and posing a health and safety hazard," she said.

The Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (or the Lead Paint Alliance) also said that many children who ingest smaller amounts of lead may not have immediate acute symptoms but may be still at risk of behavioral problems, poor school performance, and lower IQ later in life.

The World Health Organization said the young nervous systems absorb 4-5 times more lead than adults, which can cause intellectual disability, underperforming at school and behavioral issues. “In adults, lead exposure increases the risk of ischaemic heart disease and stroke.  In pregnant women, lead exposure damages many organs but also affects the developing fetus,” WHO said.

As pointed out by the WHO, lead is toxic and is harmful to everyone and young children are most vulnerable, noting there is no safe level of lead exposure.

To avoid lead exposure, Lucero reminded consumers, especially adults, to be inquisitive and vigilant when buying painted items such as reusable water bottles, school supplies and toys, and select items that are certified as lead-safe. (Mindanao Examiner)