Banned Humidifier Disinfectant Found in Children's Toys on AliExpress and Temu

Seoul Requests Sales Suspension on Platforms
Keyrings, Clay, and Other Children's Products Under Intensive Inspection
Stabbing and Cutting Hazards Found in Some Toys

Harmful substances used in humidifier disinfectants, which are banned for domestic use, have been found in children's toys sold on Chinese online platforms. Exposure above a certain concentration can strongly irritate the skin, respiratory system, and eyes, leading to a suspension of sales.

On April 24, Seoul City announced that it conducted safety inspections on 25 types of toys sold on AliExpress, Temu, and SHEIN ahead of Children's Day. As a result, four products were found to be non-compliant with safety standards.

CMIT (Chloromethylisothiazolinone) and MIT (Methylisothiazolinone), substances banned for use domestically, were detected in 'children's clay' sold on Chinese online platforms. Seoul City

According to the inspection results, one "keyring doll" product was deemed non-compliant because phthalate plasticizers were detected at levels far exceeding the domestic standard (total 0.1% or less) in three areas: the doll's face, hands, and feet. In the face area, DEHP was detected at 278.6 times the domestic standard; in the hands, DEHP, DBP, and DIBP were detected at 179 times the standard; and in the feet, DEHP, DBP, and DIBP were detected at 171.1 times the standard.

Phthalate plasticizers are substances that can disrupt the endocrine system and affect reproductive functions, causing decreased sperm count, infertility, and premature birth. They can also irritate the eyes and skin upon contact. Among them, DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) is classified as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

In particular, one "children's clay" product was found to contain CMIT (Chloromethylisothiazolinone) and MIT (Methylisothiazolinone), ingredients banned for use domestically. These substances have been used in humidifier disinfectants and have been the subject of health hazard controversies.

Additionally, two "educational toys" frequently used by children were found to be non-compliant with domestic standards in physical tests. A scale-shaped toy had a sky-blue fixed plate with a sharply manufactured bottom, posing risks of pricking or cutting during use. A sorting toy using tongs and plush balls was missing a warning label to prevent swallowing accidents, even though the plush balls qualify as small parts.

Based on these inspection results, Seoul City requested that each platform suspend sales of the non-compliant products. The city also plans to conduct safety inspections on children's textile products, for which demand is expected to increase with rising temperatures in the summer. The results of these safety inspections are available at any time on the Seoul City website or the Seoul Electronic Commerce Center website.