LUCKY charms and ornaments which are highly in demand during Chinese New Year could be harmful to human health.

This was the findings of EcoWaste Coalition, an environmental group, which subjected these items to chemical analysis using X-ray fluorescence device.

Aileen Lucero said that at the EWC’s Project Protect, 14 out of 30 items placed under XFR analysis were found to have lead and toxic metal substances.

The samples which are enjoying brisk sales were purchased from shops and vendors in the Binondo Chinatown and heart of festive celebration to welcome the year of the Water Dragon.

Lucero said that lead is highly toxic and harmful to human health.

Among the samples tested were feng shui amulets, bagua, bracelets, piggy bank, door signage, dragons and other animal figurines, joss paper and sticks, kiat kiat money tree, red fish hanging decor, rice urn, and other enhancers and activators for good health and fortune.

A dragon figurine outclassed other samples in terms of toxicity with lead content at 14,800 ppm.  The same sample registered  the highest amounts of arsenic and cadmium among the items tested.

“Our scientific findings indicate the presence of lead and other hazardous substances in some popular Chinese New Year charms and curios,” Lucero said.

Manufacturers, Lucero said, should substitute toxic with non-toxic ingredients, and importers, distributors, sellers and consumers should all demand nothing less than safe products.