Health authorities have cautioned parents about the dangers of low-quality pencils and stationery containing harmful chemicals and heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic.

The Head of the Quality Control Unit at Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH), Mahinda Wickramarachchwarned that these products could cause symptoms such as vomiting, stomach pain, and headaches, and prolonged use may lead to kidney and heart issues.

Parents are advised to inspect products carefully and ensure they carry the EN71-3 safety label, indicating compliance with international standards.