BALITANG TOKSIK | October 27, 2023
Toxic watchdog group BAN Toxics has raised concerns regarding the use of PVC Tarpaulin campaign materials, which are commonly used in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023.
The group utilized an SCIAPS X-200 HH XRF device to analyze certain campaign materials (provided by BT Patrollers) for toxic chemicals and found that they contain up to 800 parts per million of toxic cadmium.
Prior to the start of the campaign period, the group appealed to all aspiring candidates to be environmental advocates by adhering to the guidelines set by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). These guidelines encourage the use of recyclable and eco-friendly materials while discouraging the use of materials containing hazardous chemicals and substances in producing their campaign and election propaganda.
“The continued use of plastic and PVC tarpaulin as election materials poses a risk of exposing the public to toxic cadmium and contributing to plastic waste pollution, which has adverse environmental consequences,” said Thony Dizon, Campaigner of BAN Toxics.
“The use of plastic and PVC campaign materials and other prohibited campaign propaganda during election period contributes to increased waste generation, which may lead to waste disposal issues in the community,” he added.
Cadmium is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the “ten chemicals of major public health concern” along with arsenic, asbestos, dioxins, lead, mercury and other highly hazardous substances. It is known to have toxic effects on the kidney, skeletal system, respiratory system, and is classified as a human carcinogen.
In 2011, the EU Commission Regulation (EU) No 494/2011 prohibited the use of cadmium in mixtures and articles made from synthetic organic polymers. Mixtures and articles produced from plastic materials are not permitted for sale if the concentration of cadmium (expressed as Cd metal) is equal to or greater than 0,01 % by weight of the plastic material.
“We urge the COMELEC to consider banning the use of plastic and PVC tarpaulin as campaign materials in every election in the country to protect human health and the environment from plastic pollution,” said BAN Toxics.
The group also encourages all candidates to take the lead in conducting a post-election clean-up drive to reduce election-related waste and promote a clean, toxic-free and waste-free election.
References:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2011:134:0002:0005:en:PDF