​ENVIRONMENTAL group EcoWaste Coalition warned Friday that the use of unregulated sexual enhancement products carries serious health risks. ​The group said these products — often sold online, by sidewalk vendors, and in Chinese drugstores — promise to improve sexual drive and performance but may contain harmful substances. EcoWaste said based on information from Health Canada, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Philippine FDA, unregistered male dietary supplements, energy pills, sexual stimulants, and erectile dysfunction (ED) medicines contain components that should only be used under medical supervision. ​ED medications like sildenafil and tadalafil, the group said, should not be taken by men taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g., nitroglycerine), as it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Canadian health authorities warned that “individuals with heart problems taking these drugs are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat.” ​“Among the products flagged by the FDA for containing sildenafil or tadalafil are specific batches of Drivemax Plus Brand Herbal Dietary Supplement Capsule, El Combate Food Supplement for Men, Manhattan Biological Maxman, Megaman, and Qi Lu Tadalafil Tablets Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction,” the EcoWaste Coalition said in a statement. ​It urged the public to verify such products on the FDA website. ​“The EcoWaste Coalition is promoting consumer and regulatory vigilance to ensure that adulterated and unauthorized health products containing banned or restricted substances are not offered for sale in the market, including on e-commerce and social media platforms,” the group said. ​Meanwhile, BAN Toxics, another environmental group, warned Friday of Valentine's Day gift items containing neurotoxicant lead and other hazardous substances. ​“Giving gifts on Valentine’s Day is a heartfelt way to show affection but be mindful — some gift items may contain toxic chemicals, turning romance into a health risk,” the group said in a statement. ​The group said such items include colorful plastic flowers with button cell batteries and mini plastic flower bouquets with lights sold in the streets of Makati, Manila, Caloocan, and Quezon City. An independent test conducted by the group showed lead levels of up to 2,410 parts per million (ppm), which far exceeds the 90 ppm limit under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds. ​“Valentine’s Day novelty items should be carefully monitored and tested for hazardous chemicals to protect public health and safety while fostering love and care for the environment,” BAN Toxics advocacy and campaign officer Thony Dizon said. ​Lead is a “well-recognized toxicant with wide-ranging health impacts,” according to the World Health Organization. ​“Young children are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to be exposed to lead than adults, and even low levels can harm the developing brain, potentially reducing intellectual ability,” the group said. ​“Avoid plastic-based presents and excessive packaging. Choose gifts that express love while caring for the environment, such as sustainable, handcrafted, or locally sourced items. Spend time in an eco-park, enjoy nature, and swap extravagant plastic bouquets for fresh flowers or potted plants. Bring home-cooked meals in reusable containers for a more meaningful and waste-free celebration,” it added.