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In a concerning revelation, the Korea Customs Service (KCS) has uncovered high levels of cancer-causing chemicals in children’s products available on popular Chinese shopping apps AliExpress and Temu. The announcement, made on Tuesday, has sparked widespread alarm among South Korean consumers.
After conducting an analysis of 252 products designed for children and sold on the two e-commerce platforms, including toys and accessories, the KCS revealed disturbing findings. Out of the examined products, a staggering 38 were found to contain chemicals known to pose serious health risks, particularly to young children.
Reports from the Yonhap news agency detailed that 27 of the identified products contained phthalate plasticizer at levels surpassing South Korean safety standards by up to 82 times. Phthalates, recognized as endocrine disruptors, are notorious for their link to cancer and various developmental issues. Their presence in children’s products is prohibited due to the potential harm they pose.
Even more alarming, six of the scrutinized items were found to contain cadmium, a substance classified as a Class 1 carcinogen. Shockingly, the levels detected exceeded safety standards by a staggering 3,026 times. Additionally, five of the implicated products were found to contain lead, another hazardous substance with known health risks.
Despite these grave findings, the average price of the tainted products was a mere 3,468 won ($2.52), making them seemingly accessible to unsuspecting consumers. What’s more concerning is that customers can purchase these items directly from sellers without undergoing the necessary import requirements, raising questions about the efficacy of existing regulatory measures.
In response to these findings, a spokesperson for the KCS vowed to bolster the management and supervision of customs clearance processes to prevent such hazardous products from infiltrating the South Korean market. The agency also pledged to intensify inspections of major products to safeguard consumer safety and well-being.
This alarming discovery serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent regulations and oversight in the production and distribution of children’s products. As authorities work to address this pressing issue, consumers are urged to exercise caution when purchasing items from online platforms, particularly those originating from overseas sources where regulatory standards may differ.
