Group highlights dangerous water bottles sold during school reopening
Cheap tumblers coated with lead-containing paint.
MANILA – An environmental watchdog on Tuesday warned parents and students against the sale of insulated steel tumblers painted with high levels of lead, a toxic substance especially hazardous to children.
A day after the official opening of classes in public schools, volunteers disclosed they bought some of these tumblers sold on the streets of Binondo and Quiapo in Manila.
The tumblers were subjected to X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis, a scientific method used to quickly detect elemental composition.
Findings revealed that 11 unbranded tumblers had exterior coatings containing lead concentrations well above the legal limit of 90 parts per million (ppm).
A plain yellow-painted 600 milliliter (ml) tumbler registered 61,850 ppm of lead. Other tumblers in colors such as yellow (800 ml), orange, apple green, rust orange,
About: Binondo
Binondo, established in 1594, is recognized as one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world and is located in Manila, Philippines. It was originally set up by the Spanish as a settlement for Catholic Chinese, as part of the city’s ethnic segregation policy. Today, Binondo is a vibrant economic and cultural hub, renowned for its unique blend of Filipino and Chinese cultures, evident in its cuisine, architecture, and annual festivities like the Chinese New Year celebration.
About: Quiapo
Quiapo is a district in the city of Manila, Philippines, known for its historical and cultural significance. It is most famous for the Quiapo Church, home to the Black Nazarene, a much-revered statue of Jesus Christ, which attracts millions of devotees during its annual procession every January. The area is also a bustling market hub, offering a variety of goods from local handicrafts to electronic items, and serves as a center of commerce and spirituality for many Filipinos.
