Toxic Plastic Tarpaulins Threaten Health and Environment

Toxic Plastic Tarpaulins Pose Serious Risks

MANILA, Philippines — Advocacy group EcoWaste Coalition urged the public to urgently “turn off the toxic plastic tap” after uncovering dangerous chemicals in plastic materials, especially in election tarpaulins. This call to action comes following their findings that the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tarpaulins used during the May 2025 midterm elections contained harmful substances threatening both human health and the environment.

Laboratory analyses of 12 tarpaulin samples revealed cadmium levels ranging from 219 to 736 parts per million (ppm), significantly exceeding the European Union’s safety limit of 100 ppm. Cadmium, a known human carcinogen, is often used as a colorant or stabilizer in PVC plastics, but it can damage the kidneys, lungs, and bones.

Hidden Dangers in Election Materials

Earlier screenings of 42 assorted tarpaulins also detected cadmium concentrations above 100 ppm in every sample. Another alarming discovery was a tarpaulin containing 90,300 ppm of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a chemical that far surpasses the EU’s 1,000 ppm limit. DEHP is an endocrine disruptor linked to birth defects, reproductive harm, and increased cancer risk.

“The data generated from our investigation has made the invisible toxic chemicals in the widely used tarpaulins visible,” said Aileen Lucero, national coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition, during a press briefing in Quezon City to mark Plastic-Free July. She emphasized the urgent need for decisive actions to cut off the production of toxic plastics.

Calls for Stronger Regulations and Actions

EcoWaste Coalition is appealing to government regulators and duty bearers to enact strict local and international policies to prevent hazardous chemicals from contaminating communities and ecosystems. They stress the importance of banning toxic substances in plastics and promoting sustainable alternatives for election campaign materials.

Engr. Glory Rose Manatad, EcoWaste’s policy officer, recommended several interventions to address these plastic-related threats:

  • Amend the Chemical Control Order to explicitly ban cadmium use in plastic manufacturing and products, including tarpaulins.
  • Extend the prohibition on phthalates beyond toys and childcare items to all plastic products, listing PVC tarpaulins as non-environmentally acceptable.
  • Strengthen election guidelines to ban plastic tarpaulins and campaign materials containing hazardous chemicals.

Global Efforts to Combat Plastic Pollution

The ongoing negotiations of the Global Plastics Treaty aim to identify and eliminate harmful chemical groups released throughout the plastic lifecycle—from production to disposal—that jeopardize human health. The treaty also seeks to establish a science review committee to update the list of banned chemicals as new evidence emerges.

By addressing these toxic plastics, communities can protect their health, preserve the environment, and move towards a safer, cleaner future.

For more news and updates on plastic pollution and environmental health, visit Filipinokami.com.

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