Party balloons containing harmful levels of cancer-causing substances have been discovered being sold on popular online platforms such as Debenhams and eBay. Testing conducted by consumer group Which? revealed that some balloons sold by third-party sellers exceeded permitted chemical limits by up to six times, posing serious health risks to consumers. The dangerous chemicals present in these balloons can be absorbed through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion, presenting a significant health hazard.
Which? conducted tests on 21 packs of latex balloons purchased from various online marketplaces, revealing that eight of the balloons had concentrations of potentially carcinogenic chemicals surpassing the legal limits set by the UK. Among the concerning findings, balloons from platforms like AliExpress, eBay, The Range, and Debenhams were flagged for containing excessive levels of nitrosamines, known to be probable carcinogens. The report highlighted instances where balloons had more than four times the safe level of nitrosamines, raising serious concerns about consumer safety.
In a distressing incident, a couple purchased balloons from Amazon’s Marketplace for their child’s birthday, only to receive a notification a year later warning them about the high levels of cancer-causing substances present in the balloons. The alert indicated that the balloons contained at least 25 times the legal limit of potentially harmful chemicals, emphasizing the need for stringent safety regulations in the industry.
Natalie Hitchins, a consumer advocate at Which?, shared a personal experience where balloons purchased online emitted a strong chemical odor and caused physical discomfort upon inflation. Such firsthand encounters underscore the urgency for stricter safety measures to protect consumers, especially children who are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of these toxic substances.
Expressing deep concern over the findings, Sue Davies, head of consumer protection policy at Which?, condemned the sale of balloons with high concentrations of carcinogens as unacceptable. She emphasized the need for rigorous safety checks to ensure compliance with health and environmental standards, urging consumers to look for CE/UKCA marks when purchasing balloons to guarantee their safety.
Responding to the revelations, the companies implicated in the tests emphasized their commitment to customer safety. AliExpress, Debenhams, eBay, and Shein promptly removed the flagged products from their platforms upon notification, underscoring their dedication to maintaining a safe shopping environment for consumers. Wilko, while initially asserting the safety of their products, decided to recall the balloons as a precautionary measure to conduct further testing and verify their suitability.
The concerning findings have prompted calls for stricter regulations and heightened awareness regarding the potential health risks associated with seemingly harmless products like party balloons. It is crucial for both consumers and retailers to prioritize safety and adhere to stringent quality standards to prevent exposure to hazardous substances.