Group lobbies for ordinance vs mercury-laden skin cosmetics

Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition has strongly sought for the immediate approval of a Quezon City ordinance seeking stern sanctions against sectors selling mercury laden skin and cosmetic products to the public.

The group has expressed alarm after it confirmed the unabated sale of banned mercury-laden skin whit- ening cosmetics in Quezon City.

At the hearing of the Quezon City Council’s Committee of Trade, Commerce and Industry this morning, the group informed the councilors led by committee chair District IV Councilor Irene Belmonte that contraband skin whitening products with mercury impurities are being offered for sale despite being banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The group had earlier conducted test buys to mark the first anniversary of the entry into force of the Minamata Convention of Mercury that aims to, among other provisions, phase out mercury use in an array of products, including skin lightening creams and soaps, to protect public health and the environment.

“To prove our point, we went around QC last Monday and managed to buy proscribed products for P100 to P250 each that are often sold over the counter and with receipts provided. The proposed ordinance banning and penalizing such unlawful trade is strongly justified,” stated Thony Dizon, Chemical Safety Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.