Dangerous chemical alarm in cheap summer footwear on online platform

With the onset of summer heat, interest in affordable sandals and slippers is increasing.

Research conducted on the contents of some summer footwear purchased from the China-based online shopping platform Temu has highlighted a major risk, especially for children. It was reported that some of the detected chemicals pose a danger to all consumers, particularly those with sensitive constitutions.

In an investigation prepared by the Austrian Chamber of Labour's Consumer Protection Unit and the environmental organization GLOBAL 2000, laboratory analyses were performed on 19 different summer footwear models sourced from Temu. As a result of the study, substances risky to human health were detected in 8 products, while the chemical quantity in 2 of these models significantly exceeded European Union standards.

DISRUPTS HORMONES

Flip-flop style slippers were particularly prominent in the research. The amount of a plastic softener called phthalate used in some models was recorded at approximately 420 times higher than the limits permitted in Europe. Experts state that phthalates disrupt hormonal balance, negatively affect reproductive health, and can cause permanent damage to the human body, especially in children. It is also reported that phthalates can enter the body through the skin or via household dust and have been detected in children's urine samples.

Traces of lead, known as a heavy metal, were found in more than a quarter of the inspected products. Regarding the issue, GLOBAL 2000 environmental expert Dominik Linhard stated, "Even lead levels below the limit values pose a risk because it can accumulate in the body and lead to long-term health problems and cancer."

INSPECTIONS TO BE TIGHTENED

The European Union plans to further tighten inspections to prevent such risky products from being placed on the market. Current legal regulations prohibit the sale of products containing these substances; however, these products can easily enter the European market through online shopping platforms. The European Commission has begun evaluating new policies that will introduce stricter oversight and sanctions against affordable international sales sites, including Temu.

News Source: 12punto