By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – An environmental group has commended the Quezon City government for creating a task force to protect women and children from the detrimental effects of mercury in skin-lightening products.
In a news release Monday, EcoWaste Coalition said Executive Order No. 2, series of 2025 issued by QC Mayor Joy Belmonte provides a concrete mechanism to get the citywide prohibition on mercury-containing cosmetics effectively enforced.
The task force is led by the QC Health Department. The City Health Officer will act as its chairperson while the head of the Special Services Division will act as the vice chairperson. The Food-Drug Regulation Section will serve as its secretariat.
“We commend Mayor Joy Belmonte and the QCHD for their earnest efforts to strengthen the enforcement of the landmark ordinance banning the manufacture, distribution and sale of mercury-added cosmetics in the city,” EcoWaste Coalition campaigner Manny Calonzo said.
“We consider the issuance of the EO as an early Women’s Day gift for women, particularly pregnant women and babies in their wombs, who are very vulnerable to mercury toxicity,” he added.
According to the World Health Organization, mercury in some skin-lightening products can cause skin rashes, scarring and discoloration; reduced skin’s resistance to bacterial and fungal infections; nervous, renal, and immune system damage; and anxiety, depression and psychosis. (PNA)
