Toxic Watchdog Warns Against Buying Non-compliant Christmas Lights and Decorations That May Contain Toxic Lead

Toxic watchdog group BAN Toxics has issued a warning on Christmas lights and decorations being sold in the market, citing the presence of lead, a known neurotoxin, as part of the ongoing International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

Recent market monitoring by the group revealed the early sale of various holiday lights and decorations in bargain and wholesale stores in Pasay City priced between P100 and P150. The group documented several holiday decorations without proper labeling, while the Christmas lights lacked Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers, which should indicate product safety.

According to Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner for BAN Toxics, product safety labeling and markings are important for consumers to determine the safety of the products and avoid exposure to toxic chemicals such as lead and other hazardous substances.

“We call the attention of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to conduct early post-market surveillance and testing of holiday lights being sold in the market, and release the listing of certified Christmas lights to guide consumers,” Dizon added.

Using a Vanta C Series XRF Chemical Analyzer, the group tested four samples of Christmas lights that showed high levels of lead, ranging from 10,800 parts per million (ppm) to 100,000 ppm in the soldered LED bulbs, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) wiring, and soldered circuit boards. The allowable lead limit under the European Union (EU) Directive on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) is only 1,000 ppm.

The group also observed the heating capacity of the sampled lights, noting that three out of four sets of holiday lights heated up quickly within just a few minutes, posing a potential risk for burns and fire hazards.

Lead exposure can have serious consequences for the health of children. At high levels of exposure to lead the brain and central nervous system can be severely damaged causing coma, convulsions and even death.

In 2023, the DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) released a list of DTI-certified Christmas lights brands to serve as a guide. The agency issued either a Philippine Standard (PS) license or an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker to manufacturers and importers, respectively, to serve as proof that the products have undergone the BPS certification process.

According to the DTI, a PS License and the authority to use the PS mark are granted to manufacturers who have successfully complied with factory audit and product testing while the ICC and the corresponding ICC stickers are issued to importers on a per shipment per Bill of Lading/Airway Bill basis after product inspection and testing.

BAN Toxics urges consumers to take caution when purchasing holiday lights and decorations. They recommend checking labels, looking for PS and ICC stickers and markings, and inspecting the wiring and any potential cracks to reduce the risk of fire and electric shock. The group also encourages reporting stores and retailers selling uncertified items to prevent further exposure to toxic materials in holiday products.

Additionally, the group reminded the public to properly manage electronic and electrical waste, such as busted Christmas lights, to help minimize e-waste pollution. # (PR)