Carcinogen Detected at 270 Times the Standard in Imported Child Headbands

Seoul City Investigates Children's Accessories Sold by Ali and Shine
Detects Carcinogens 270 Times Over in Headbands
and 5 Times Over in Watches

It has been revealed that children's headbands sold on Chinese overseas direct purchase platforms contain human carcinogenic substances exceeding the standard by up to 270 times.

According to Seoul City on the 16th, safety inspection results of products from overseas online platforms in the third week of this month showed that one children's headband and one watch contained phthalate-based plasticizers, which are human carcinogenic substances, exceeding the standard.

Children's headbands with phthalate plasticizers detected at up to 270 times the standard limit. Photo by Seoul City

The inspection targeted seven children's accessory products sold on Shein and AliExpress, with inspection items including the detection of harmful chemicals and durability.

The inspection results confirmed phthalate-based plasticizers in two children's accessories that come into direct contact with children's bodies. One type of children's headband showed DEHP and DBP phthalate-based plasticizers exceeding the standard by up to 270 times, and the children's watch showed DEHP exceeding the standard by 5 times. Phthalate-based plasticizers are endocrine-disrupting substances that affect reproductive functions such as reduced sperm count, infertility, and premature birth, and can cause irritation to the eyes and skin upon contact.

In celebration of Family Month in May, the city is conducting safety inspections on children's products. Following additional investigations of children's accessories in the fourth week of this month, inspections on children's leather products are planned for the final week.

Safety inspection results can be continuously checked on the Seoul City website and the Seoul Electronic Commerce Center website.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.