BEHIND THE BRIGHT COLORS: Cadmium Lurks in Fiesta Banderitas

Xavier Pajiran

Plastic fiesta banderitas widely used during religious and community celebrations contain toxic levels of cadmium, environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition revealed, raising concerns over public health and environmental safety.

Test conducted by the group showed that plastic sheets sold for making banderitas contained 224 to 336 parts per million (ppm) of cadmium, exceeding the European Union’s safety limit of 100 ppm for plastic materials

EcoWaste Coalition screened nine different colors of PVC plastic sheets purchased from the local market using the handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, a non-destructive device used to detect hazardous substances in consumer products.

Among the samples tested, green plastic registered the highest cadmium level at 336 ppm, followed by orange at 330 ppm and violet at 315 ppm. 

The lowest reading, 224 ppm, was still more than twice the allowable international limit.

“These plastic banderitas are widely used during fiestas and are often handled by young children,” the group said, warning that exposure to cadmium shows serious health risks.

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal linked to kidney damage, cancer, and respiratory illnesses, particularly with long-term exposure, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

EcoWaste Coalition also noted that after celebrations, plastic banderitas are usually discarded, improperly dumped, or burned, allowing toxic substances to contaminate the air, soil, and waterways.

The World Health Organization classifies cadmium as one of the Top 10 Chemicals of major public health concern due to its cumulative and long-lasting effects on human health.

In the Philippines, improper disposal and open burning of plastic waste are prohibited under R.A. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which aims to protect public health and the natural environment. 

EcoWaste coalition urged communities and local government units (LGU) to shift to non-toxic and reusable decorations to ensure a safer and environmentally rresponsible celebrations.