Environmental Group Calls on Manny Pacquiao to Sever Ties with Lead Paint Brand
MANILA, Philippines — The environmental group EcoWaste Coalition has urged boxing legend Manny Pacquiao to dissociate himself from a China-made paint brand containing lead that carries his image and signature as a celebrity endorser. The group emphasized the dangers of lead paint and the importance of consumer protection.
EcoWaste Coalition revealed that it purchased 12 different colors of YiAD Paint, a product featuring Pacquiao’s likeness wearing boxing gloves and a branded jacket. The group tested the paints and found that more than half contained unsafe levels of lead, exceeding the legal limit set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under Administrative Order No. 2013-24.
Lead Paint Exceeds Safety Limits, Illegal for Sale
Out of 12 samples bought in Pampanga, Antipolo, and Valenzuela, seven contained lead levels above 90 parts per million (ppm), which is the maximum allowed in the country. This makes the paints illegal to import, distribute, or sell, according to the environmental watchdog.
EcoWaste’s National Coordinator Aileen Lucero stated, “In the interest of upholding the country’s lead paint ban and the right of consumers to be protected against lead-containing paints that are hazardous to their health and life, we respectfully request you to dissociate yourself from YiAD Paint and stop the further manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of this paint bearing your photo and signature.”
High Lead Concentrations Found in Multiple Colors
The group’s analysis showed alarming lead concentrations in several colors: yellow paint had 58,390 ppm, orange 42,690 ppm, green 29,180 ppm, light green 28,260 ppm, and various shades of blue ranged from 2,263 to 3,312 ppm. These figures far exceed the safe limit, posing serious health risks.
YiAD Paint cans were priced between P95 to P99.75 per 450 ml, with manufacture dates from May this year. Despite claims by YiAD Hardware Tools Co. Ltd. of a partnership with Pacquiao, EcoWaste has yet to verify if the endorsement is officially authorized, noting the potential unauthorized use of his image and signature.
Concerns Over Public Health and Lead Toxicity
EcoWaste has not yet received confirmation from Pacquiao regarding his alleged endorsement. The group believes the boxing icon might be unaware of the paint’s dangerous lead content, stressing that no responsible figure would want their name linked to a toxic chemical known for its neurological damage.
The World Health Organization classifies lead as one of the top 10 chemicals of public health concern. Lead is a cumulative toxicant that harms multiple body systems, including neurological, hematological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal functions.
Lucero expressed deep worry that these hazardous products are already available nationwide, warning consumers to stay vigilant. “We are deeply concerned that these violative products are already being offered for sale nationwide,” she said.
For more news and updates on lead paint safety, visit Filipinokami.com.
