‘Good luck charms may be bad for your health’
INSTEAD of bringing you good fortune, New Year charms may do just the opposite: Attract bad luck.
An environmental group yesterday warned the public to be careful about buying these items after it detected high levels of toxic metals in some lucky charms sold in shops and by sidewalk vendors on Villalobos Street and Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila.
All of the 20 charms bought by EcoWaste Coalition tested positive for traces of antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium and lead which are known hazardous substances.
The group said these chemicals have been linked to serious health problems like reproductive abnormalities, birth disorders, developmental delays, neurological ailments, cardiovascular diseases, hormonal disruptions, behavioral problems and various types of cancers.
“Lucky charms that are marketed to bring in lasting prosperity, good health and longevity should not contain injurious substances that can make people miserable and sick,” said EcoWaste Coalition Project Protect coordinator Thony Dizon.
He noted that if these charms contain harmful metals, manufacturers, importers and distributors should inform and warn consumers.
Lucky bracelets, figurines and horse-inspired items, in anticipation of the Year of the Green Wooden Horse, were among the samples that tested positive for high levels of toxic substances using a handheld x-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The items were being sold at prices ranging from P10 to P300.
EcoWaste said that instead of patronizing these toxic charms, luck seekers should just go for nontoxic items to attract positive energy, fortune and happiness.
“Displaying lucky plants, preparing 12 round fruits, wearing red and polka dots, serving tikoy, biko and other sticky delicacies, eating noodles and healthy meals, cleaning the house prior to New Year, saying fervent prayers with matching hard work and boosting positive karma by doing good deeds might just do the trick,” Dizon added.