Imported Smartwatch Strap Contains 'Heavy Metals'... 121 Times the Standard Limit

'Norigae Pacifier' Unsafe for Babies to Bite

Heavy metals that can have harmful effects on the human body were detected at levels up to 121 times the standard in smart watch straps and other items purchased directly from overseas.

On the 26th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that safety inspections conducted on 16 products, including children’s smart watch straps, pacifiers, and holders sold on Temu and AliExpress, found that 6 products exceeded the domestic lead content standards.

Smartwatch strap detected with lead exceeding domestic standards according to Seoul City's safety inspection results. Photo by Seoul City

Both types of smart watch straps tested exceeded the domestic lead content standards. The metal spring parts connecting the main body and the strap contained lead levels exceeding the domestic standard by 121 times and 74 times, respectively. Exposure to lead above safety standards can harm reproductive functions and increase the risk of cancer.

One type of pacifier, which infants and toddlers put in their mouths to play with, was judged non-compliant in physical requirements. It contained glass decorations that are not allowed for products intended for children under 36 months, and the handle separated from the main body after a tensile test, posing a choking hazard. In the heat resistance test, the soft sticker attached to the product deformed and lifted, resulting in a non-compliance judgment according to domestic standards.

The pacifier holder was judged non-compliant as its maximum length of 440mm exceeded the domestic standard by up to twice. When children’s products fail to meet physical requirements, there is a risk of choking accidents due to swallowing the product or accidents caused by the product wrapping around the neck during use.

The city plans to conduct safety inspections on picnic and outdoor activity products such as picnic chairs, mats, umbrellas, and parasols in October to coincide with the autumn season.