A children’s boot sold on a Chinese online platform was found to contain a carcinogenic substance exceeding 680 times the standard limit.
Seoul City announced that out of 12 children’s items, including boots, hats, and bags, six products were found to contain harmful substances exceeding domestic safety inspection standards, which are sold on AliExpress, Temu, and Shein.
Firstly, phthalate plasticizers (DEHP·DBP) were detected in children’s boots sold on Shein. The part of the ribbon decoration of the shoes had about 680 times the standard limit of plasticizers, while the transparent and pink border parts had 483 times and 44 times the limit.
Plasticizers are chemical compounds added to polymers like plastic to enhance flexibility and processability. They negatively affect reproductive functions and cause decreased sperm count, infertility, and premature birth.
The outer fabric of a children’s backpack sold on AliExpress had a pH of 9.4, far exceeding the domestic standard range of 4.0 to 7.5. Four types of phthalate plasticizers were detected in the printed part of the backpack’s surface, exceeding the standard limit by about 11 times: DIBP, DEHP, DBP, and DINP.
If the pH of a textile product exceeds the standard limit, becoming highly acidic or alkaline may cause skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis. Additionally, formaldehyde was detected in the lining of another children’s bag for about twice the standard limit.
A children’s hat was found unsuitable as the pH exceeded the standard limit, and a children’s jumper had lead levels in the zipper area exceeding four times the domestic standard. In the soft part of the jumper’s surface, cadmium and phthalate plasticizers were detected at 11 times and 537 times the standard limit, respectively.
Starting this month, Seoul plans to conduct safety inspections on children’s water play items, such as goggles, sunglasses, tubes, and swimsuits, which are expected to be in high demand during the summer.
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