Phthalate Plasticizer Levels Detected Up to 215 Times the Standard Limit
Harmful substances exceeding the standard by up to 215 times were detected in Christmas toys for children sold on Chinese direct purchase platforms.
On the 20th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that safety inspections conducted on 15 products, including Christmas toys and decorations sold on Temu, Shein, and AliExpress, found that 6 products were deemed non-compliant due to harmful substances exceeding domestic standards.
Santa Claus decorations detected with harmful substances exceeding domestic standards by up to 215 times according to Seoul City safety inspection results. Provided by Seoul City
In particular, one Santa Claus decoration and toy purchased from AliExpress contained phthalate plasticizers (DEHP, DBP, DINP) at levels up to 215 times the domestic standard. Lead was also detected in the belt area at levels up to 11 times the standard. Another Santa toy was found to exceed the phthalate plasticizer standard by 199 times and lead by 3 times.
Phthalate plasticizers are endocrine-disrupting substances that can affect reproductive functions, causing reduced sperm count, infertility, and premature birth. They can also cause eye or skin irritation upon contact. Lead exposure above safety standards can harm reproductive functions and increase the risk of cancer. Exposure during pregnancy can affect brain development and cause learning and behavioral problems in children.
Among the non-compliant toy products, 4 failed to meet domestic standards in physical tests. One sticker product had small parts detach during testing but lacked warning labels. Three products, including bead toys, were found to pose injury risks to children due to 'sharp points' during testing.
Since April, the city has been conducting safety inspections twice a month on products from overseas direct purchase platforms with many domestic users. Safety inspection results can be checked at any time on the Seoul Metropolitan Government or Seoul Electronic Commerce Center websites.
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