Md Mahabub Alam :
The government is not taking measures to stop sales of toys containing highly toxic chemicals sold in local markets.
A survey report conducted by Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO) said recently that about 97 per cent toys contain highly toxic chemicals, posing serious health hazards to children. Different environmental organisations have urged the government to stop sales of such toys, causing health hazards to children.
The future generation will face severe health risk. Even, the nation can be made workless and meritless, they say, adding that the awareness should be increased.
Dr Abdul Motin, General Secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), an environmental based organisation, said, the bodies of children are very sensitive and toxic chemicals can easily enter there. Abu Naser Khan, President of Poribesh Bacchao Andolon (POBA), said that the government should make a law banning use of chemical in toys.
The survey report says, the lead, bromine, cadmium and chromium are found in toys that cause paralysis, cancer, kidney disease, lung problem, heart failure, brain tumour and growth problem. Testing a number of local and imported toys in own laboratory, ESDO, a NGO, found the evidence of chemicals. Most of the toys contain 8,305.8 PPM lead, 3,923 PPM bromine, 4,90.5 PPM cadmium and 2502.2 PPM chromium, which is several thousands times higher than standard measure.
The European countries admit of using of chemicals in toys. Lead can be used 65.5 PPM, bromine 75 PPM, cadmium 20 PPM and chromium 27.5 PPM. The report says, the toxic chemical contained in both local and imported toys are almost of same criterion. It regrets there is no law in this regard and initiative to increase awareness.
Parents give toys to their children to make them smile. The chemicals contained in toys enter their bellies at the time of sucking. Disease Phonology, Control and Research Institute Director Mahmudur Rahman said, the high chemical used in toys is severely harmful for children and the country should have a law restricting use of chemicals in toys in the interest of our children.
