Public warned against China-made batteries

TOXIC waste watchdog BAN Toxics on Saturday urged the public to exercise due diligence when buying China-made AA batteries that contain two noxious substances. In a statement, Ban Toxics said the Kingever Extra Heavy Duty AA batteries contain "high levels" of lead and cadmium and are sold for P20 or P25 for a two-piece set. These are sold in Divisoria and on online shopping sites. The batteries' packaging includes a "Do Not Dispose of in Household Trash" symbol because of the lead content. "The label 'carbon' printed on it means it is a zinc-carbon type battery, which typically does not contain cadmium like Ni-Cd batteries," the group said. An online shopping site also indicates that the same AA batteries claimed to have zero-percent lead, mercury, and cadmium and have "several certifications." BAN Toxics said they detected 1,250 to 6,500 parts per million (ppm) of lead and 160 to 250 ppm of cadmium through an X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) chemical analyzer. Lead and cadmium are among the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). "Exposure to lead can lead to chronic and serious health issues across all age groups, with children being especially vulnerable to its neurotoxic effects. There are no safe levels of exposure to lead," the United Nations Environment Program said. "Cadmium is classified as carcinogenic to humans and may also cause a range of adverse health effects on various organs, including the kidneys, lungs, and bones. Cadmium is highly toxic to humans and the environment, even at very low exposure levels, it added. BAN Toxics also urged regulatory agencies to investigate if the products are registered properly and take action. "These types of batteries are essentially common household items, and their sale exposes the public — especially children — to highly toxic chemicals. They are even marketed for use in toys. We urge the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to take immediate action to ensure public safety," the group's toxics campaign and advocacy officer Thony Dizon said in a statement. The group also said unregistered and non-compliant products that do not meet safety standards must be removed from the market.