Marble toy, also known as “Jolen”, is a popular Filipino toy that comes in different sizes and is usually played outdoors. The marble toy failed the required labeling information under RA 10620, otherwise known as the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013. Using a SCIAPS X-200 HH XRF Analyzer, the toy was screened and found to contain traces of Cadmium.
RA 10620 requires toys and games to comply with the toy labeling information such as license to operate (LTO) number, age grading, cautionary statements/warnings, instructional literature, manufacturer’s marking, and item, model, stock-keeping unit (SKU) number.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued DAO 2021-08, or the Chemical Order for Cadmium and Cadmium compounds, to regulate, restrict or prohibit the importation, manufacture, handling, processing, storage, sale, distribution, use, and disposal of of chemical substances and mixtures that present unreasonable risk and/or injury to human health and the environment.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cadmium exerts toxic effects on the kidneys, as well as the skeletal and respiratory systems, and is classified as a human carcinogen.
“We need to inform and caution the public, especially mothers and children, of the dangers which come from small but terrible marble toys that are sold in the market. They are choking hazards and exposure to these toys may also cause cancer,” said Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner, BAN Toxics.
References:
https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/policies_and_laws/IRR%20RA%2010620.pdf
https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/chemical-safety-and-health/health-impacts/chemicals/cadmium
https://chemical.emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/DAO-2021-08-CCO-Cadmium.pdf
