Seoul revealed on the 10th that in preparation for the autumn season which sees an increase in outdoor activities, they conducted safety tests on 28 children’s products, including roller skates, sports protective equipment, and clothing sold on foreign online platforms, and found that 12 of these products did not meet domestic safety standards.
The tests targeted 24 children’s products, including roller skates, sports protective equipment, clothing, shoes distributed by foreign online malls such as AliExpress and Temu, as well as four ultra-low-priced children’s products, summing up to a total of 28 items. Seoul checked for the presence of hazardous chemicals in the products and examined mechanical and physical durability characteristics.
The test results showed that both children’s roller skate products significantly exceeded the standard levels for phthalate plasticizers and cadmium. The Velcro part for securing the foot was found to contain phthalate plasticizers (including 7 types such as DEHP) at levels up to 706.3 times the domestic standard (0.1% or less), while the decorations on the shoes contained cadmium at 3.8 times the standard level (75mg/kg or less).
Phthalate plasticizers are endocrine disruptors that can lead to diminished reproductive function, infertility, and preterm birth. DEHP (Diethylhexyl Phthalate) is categorized as a 2B human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Cadmium, a carcinogenic metal, can accumulate in the liver and kidneys, causing respiratory and nervous system diseases.
In terms of physical safety standards, one product failed to meet the requirements in driving and collision tests, where the shoes and plates became detached or cracked. Additionally, structural defects were detected with shoes longer than plates, making it difficult to maintain balance.
In the case of children’s helmets, phthalate plasticizers were detected up to 746.6 times the standard level in the exterior and chin protection areas, and lead exceeded the standard by 57.6 times (100mg/kg or less). Lead, when exposed for extended periods, can impair reproductive function and brain development and may adversely affect fetal neural development during pregnancy.
The protective set (knees, elbows, palms) failed the impact strength, penetration resistance, and impact absorption tests. The wrist guard exceeded the flexibility (45° or less) and center point displacement (20mm or less) standards, rendering it ineffective in protecting the wrist upon impact.
Among six items of clothing and footwear, four were found to contain harmful substances like phthalates, cadmium, and lead. Phthalates were detected at levels 423 times the standard in a t-shirt patch, while cadmium exceeded the standard by 4.7 times. Zippers on jackets, buttons on shirts, and uppers on sneakers contained lead at 4.25, 5.67, and 2.74 times the standard levels, respectively. Additionally, the pH value of some sneaker linings was found to be 8.2, exceeding the standard range (4.0-7.5), indicating a risk of skin irritation.
Furthermore, three children’s clothing items violated string safety standards. A blouse for children under seven had prohibited neck strings, and the waistband of pants measured 23cm, exceeding the standard length (14cm). The ribbon decoration on a shirt also exceeded the standard length (7.5cm), posing risks of choking and entanglement accidents.
In two children’s keychain products, lead was detected at up to 1.8 times the standard level. As keychains are frequently handled, there is a high risk of exposure, Seoul emphasized the need for caution.
Seoul has requested that platforms cease sales of non-compliant products based on the investigation results. The city advised, “Many children’s products brought in through overseas direct purchases do not meet domestic safety standards,” and urged consumers to verify certification marks and compliance with safety standards before purchasing.
Seoul plans to conduct additional safety inspections on winter clothing and protective wear for children sold on foreign online malls this coming November, in preparation for the winter season.
