MANILA – Six brands of wet wipes "and other similar products" found to contain harmful chemicals are now banned from store shelves in Baguio City.

This after the City Council approved on third and final reading an ordinance penned by Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed the local measure on Jan. 28.

Brands of wet wipes now banned in the city are the following: Dong Bang, Dong Bang Yao Baby Tender, Family Treasure Baby Tender, Sky Fire Baby Tender, Giggley Baby Wipes, and Super Soft Skin Care Wet Towel.

"The enumerated wet wipes and other similar products found to contain the aforementioned ingredients are now prohibited in the city," the city council said in a Facebook post.

The ordinance cited environmental group EcoWaste Coalition's warning about the presence of harmful chemical compounds in the wet wipe brands which may trigger skin allergies and cause contact dermatitis.

The city council said the 6 brands "allegedly contain" chemical compounds such as methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MIT), and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC), citing EcoWaste Coalition findings.

"Some of these baby wipes/products were found to be sold at the city’s grocery stores, black market, supermarkets, and convenience stores; and the continued sale of these products supposedly for hygiene is disturbing," the ordinance reads.

The City Health Services Office (CHSO), in coordination with the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) and barangay officials, is authorized to conduct inspections in establishments and seize banned products.

Violators face fines ranging from P1,000 to 5,000 and immediate closure of business or non-renewal of business permits.

Individuals or business establishments that will surrender banned products will not be penalized.