ECOWASTE Coalition and the Ateneo Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI) released a situation report exposing the health risks of phthalates and bisphenols in the daily lives of Filipinos.
The report, co-published by ACRI, EcoWaste Coalition, Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), and Arugaan, revealed that the two groups of chemical additives are known to be “endocrine-disturbing chemicals” (EDCs) that can change hormonal balance at minimal doses.
This is also in support of the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), contributing to a multi-country effort documenting situations on phthalates and bisphenol to push for stricter local and global regulations.
During the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday, Jun 1, Manny Calonzo, campaigner for EcoWaste Coalition, said they have observed the limitations of the current regulations on both chemicals in the Philippines.
Phtalates are found in toys, food packaging, medical devices, flooring, and construction materials, while bisphenols, the most common bisphenol A, are used in polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resin linings, and thermal paper coatings.
Exposures from these chemicals involve reproductive disorders, neurodevelopmental harm in children, metabolic disease, and cardiovascular mortality.
The Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had banned the use of BPA on infant products under FDA Circular No. 2019-004. However, alternatives such as BPS and BPF are overlooked or unmonitored.
