“Harmful” wet wipes to be banned in the City

October 31, 2019 Metro BLISTT

Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan wants to ban wet wipes and other similar baby products with harmful ingredients in all establishments in the City of Baguio.

The proposed ordinance was approved on first reading during the City Council’s Regular Session on October 21 and was referred to the Committee on Market, Trade and Commerce, and Agriculture for further study and recommendations.

In his proposed ordinance, Olowan cited the EcoWaste Coalition’s warning on the presence of harmful chemical compounds in wet wipes which may trigger skin allergies and may cause contact dermatitis.

The Ecowaste Coalition is a non-profit environmental group that envisions a Zero Waste Philippines and addresses climate and chemical safety issues.

The EcoWaste Coalition, in their website, mentioned six products that allegedly contain harmful chemical compounds such as methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MIT), and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC). These are Dong Bang, Dong Bang Yao Baby Tender, Family Treasure Baby Tender, Sky Fire Baby Tender, Giggley Baby Wipes, and Super Soft Skin Care Wet Towel, among others.

“Some of these baby wipes/products were found to be sold at the city’s grocery stores, black market, supermarkets, and convenience stores; and the continued sale of these products supposedly for hygiene is disturbing as these preservatives on leave-on products is a common cause of skin allergies and contact dermatitis,” the proposal reads.

Under the ordinance, the City Health Services Office (CHSO) and Public Order and Safety Division will be authorized to conduct inspection in establishments and confiscate the prohibited products. The CHSO will prepare an inventory identifying the name of establishment, its location, the type and number of the confiscated items, and the mode of disposal conducted.

The CHSO will coordinate with the Food and Drug Administration to identify the environmental-friendly disposal of confiscated products.

Establishments found to have violated this ordinance will be fined with the amount of P1, 000.00 for the first offense, P3, 000.00 for the second offense, and P5, 000.00 and non-renewal of business permit for the third offense. Establishments without business permit will be closed upon committing the first offense.

Upon the enactment of the ordinance, the Public Information Office under the City Mayor’s Office and the Information Officer of the Sanggunian will disseminate information about the ordinance to fully inform the public as well as the establishments.

Jordan G. Habbiling/ABN