MANILA, Philippines, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Some flip-flops and plastic shoes sold in the Philippines contain toxic chemicals that are dangerous to humans and the earth, an environmental group says.
EcoWaste Coalition says a recent study found 17 of the 27 pairs of flip-flops, sandals, clogs and other plastic shoes tested contained phthalates, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported Wednesday.
The chemicals, used as a softening agent for polyvinyl chloride plastic, have been associated with developmental and reproductive disorders, EcoWaste President Manny Calonzo said.
"There is no justification for the continued use of harmful chemicals such as phthalates in consumer products that could pose grave health and environmental risks," Calonzo said.
In 2008, the United States banned phthalates from consumer products, particularly those used by children.
The study for EcoWaste was conducted by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation.
