Seoul City Conducts Safety Inspections on 15 Products
7 Products Exceed Domestic Standards
Harmful substances exceeding the standard by up to 476 times were detected in children's umbrellas and other products purchased from overseas direct imports. Phthalate-based plasticizers can affect reproductive functions such as infertility.
According to Seoul City on the 25th, safety inspections were conducted on 15 products, including 6 types of camping chairs, 5 types of picnic mats, and 4 types of umbrellas and parasols sold in Temu and Ali. As a result, 7 products were found to exceed domestic standards for harmful substances and were judged to be non-compliant.
Phthalate plasticizers were detected up to 476 times the standard limit in internal components of children's umbrellas sold at Temu. Photo by Seoul City
Four types of children's umbrellas and parasols exceeded the standards for phthalate-based plasticizers and lead. Phthalate-based plasticizers were detected at levels 1.5 to 476 times higher than the standard in umbrella ribs, auxiliary ribs, and internal components of 3 products. Phthalate-based plasticizers are endocrine-disrupting substances that can reduce sperm count and cause infertility, affecting reproductive functions. Among them, DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) is classified as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Lead was detected up to 11 times the standard in metal parts such as buttons on 2 umbrella and parasol products. Exposure to lead above safety standards can harm reproductive functions or increase the risk of cancer.
Two children's camping chairs were judged non-compliant. Phthalate-based plasticizers were detected at 1.9 times the standard in the coating on the back of one product, and lead exceeding the standard by 1.3 to 3.8 times was found in the chair frames and armrest coatings of both products.
One type of picnic mat was judged non-compliant as phthalate-based plasticizers exceeded domestic standards by 51 times in the fabric and coating areas.
Seoul City plans to conduct safety inspections on children's and infants' textile products in November, considering the colder weather.
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