- Chemicals could affect skin and lungs, according to international health standards | Photo: Foundry
Authorities in Seoul, South Korea, recently found toxic substances in products from Shein, AliExpress and Temu, which could put consumers’ health at risk.
Shein, AliExpress and Temu
These online sales platforms are known for selling clothing, accessories, shoes, and other items at low prices.
This growth has led to increased scrutiny of their business practices and safety standards, both in the European Union (EU) and in South Korea, where Seoul officials have conducted weekly inspections of items sold by online platforms.
During tests carried out on 144 products from Shein, AliExpress and Temu, authorities found multiple items that did not comply with legal safety standards, by containing dangerous chemical substances at levels far above what is permitted, according to the news agency. EFE.
Toxic substances found in Shein, AliExpress and Temu
Among the toxic chemicals discovered in the nearly 150 products, it was found phthalates, a chemical used to make plastics more flexible, at a concentration almost 230 times higher than the legally indicated limit.
According to the EU Health Commission, phthalates They can affect reproductive functions in men, because they reduce the number of sperm; while in women they cause premature births.
In addition, the International Cancer Institute stated that this substance is classified as a human carcinogen.
Seoul officials also detected high levels of formaldehyde in caps and accessories, with concentrations per unit of product double the permitted amounts. The toxic chemical is known to cause skin irritation and respiratory problems.
In relation to the nail polishes sold by Shein, they found dioxane in their compounds at a concentration 3.6 times higher than permitted, in addition to high concentrations that exceeded the legal limit by 40%.
The Shein, AliExpress and Temu items also contained lead in the shoe insoles in an amount that exceeds the permitted levels of this mineral in clothing by 11 times.
After receiving the notification, Shein and Temu removed the products containing these toxic substances from their catalogue. However, AliExpress’s actions are unknown.
Seoul officials reiterated that they will conduct regular investigations to determine whether the platforms have improved the quality of their garments, and the study will be published on the Seoul government’s website.
Toxic substances in children’s items at Shein and Temu
In May 2024, Seoul authorities detected another shipment from Shein and Temu containing toxic substances in children’s and adolescents’ items.
On that occasion, toxic chemicals were found 428 times above the levels permitted in children’s products in some children’s shoes.
Of the eight Shein products for children and adolescents that were analyzed, including shoes and bags, the city found toxic substances in seven of them, with levels of formaldehyde and plasticizers far above those permitted.
According to a study by the European Commission, the main concern with this type of substance is that it dissolves in fluids or can come into contact with the skin. There is particular concern about its effects on the reproductive, hormonal and immune systems, as well as its carcinogenic potential or its impact on behavioural changes.
Since early April 2024, Seoul has been conducting such security tests on products from Chinese e-commerce giants such as AliExpress, Shein and Temu.
With information from EFE
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2024-09-04 00:06:53
