EcoWaste warns vs buying toxic Chirstmas decors

The Ecowaste, an environmental group, warned the public against buying Christmas lanterns or “parol” that may contain harmful chemicals and other pollutants as do other such decorations.

In its statement, EcoWaste said it bought 55 items over the weekend including the native lantern in shops in Metro Manila area and tested the items with an X-ray fluorescence analyzer for harmful chemicals. According to the group, the World Health Organization classifies cadmium as a carcinogen or cancer-causing agent “and may affect a person’s kidneys as well as the skeletal or and respiratory systems.

EcoWaste advised the public to buy parol made of plant-based materials such as bamboo, coconut husk or shell and palm leaves instead polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, “and go for Christmas ornaments made of fabric or indigenous materials.”