By Chito Chavez

Heeding the call of environmental groups, the Quezon City government finally approved an ordinance that bans the manufacture, distribution and sale of mercury-laced cosmetic products in the city.

Ordinance No. 2767, which was authored by Councilor Elizabeth Delarmente, mandates that all manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers, including street “tiangge” and online vendors, in the city are obliged to cease engagements in business activities involving the production and trade of mercury-laden products.

(PIXABAY / MANILA BULLETIN)

Vice-Mayor Joy Belmonte noted the ordinance will strengthen the enforcement of the national regulation on the ban of cosmetics containing mercury above the one ppm (parts per million) limit by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“This ordinance aims to ensure that all our business establishments comply with the regulations set by the FDA on businesses selling whitening products, especially since these products are becoming more popular and affordable,” said Belmonte.

According to the ordinance, violators will be penalized P2,000 and their products confiscated for the first offense; a fine of P3,000 and suspension to operate business for second offense; and P5,000 and imprisonment of 30 days or cancellation of business license, or both for third offense.

Under the ordinance, the City Health Department will lead the implementation of the ordinance which includes information dissemination to concerned business establishments and an awareness campaign on the health and environmental hazards of mercury-containing products.

“Mercury is highly toxic, and exposure to mercury could lead to skin disorders or even damage to the brain and other body organs. Launching an information drive on mercury and the beauty and health products that may contain it will help people think twice about what they purchase and use for their skin,” Belmonte noted.

However, critics, most of them city hall employees, were apprehensive and in doubt if the ordinance will strictly be enforced as other laws like the no vending on public places have yet to be strictly be enforced.

“The simple compliance, let’s say, to the building permit rule is not heeded fully as there are structures constructed in the city without this basic requirement. There are laws but the implementation leaves much to be desired,’’ one of the city hall employees said.