Party balloons with excessive levels of harmful chemicals linked to cancer have been discovered being sold on popular online platforms such as Debenhams and eBay. Independent testing by consumer group Which? revealed that certain balloons sold by third-party vendors contained up to six times the approved limits of carcinogenic substances. The potential risk arises when individuals come into contact with these chemicals by handling the balloons or inhaling their fumes.
In a study conducted by Which?, 21 packs of latex balloons purchased from various online marketplaces were subjected to rigorous testing to measure the presence of cancer-causing chemicals. Out of the tested balloons, eight exceeded the UK’s legal threshold for potentially carcinogenic substances, indicating they were being unlawfully marketed. Examples included a balloon from AliExpress, a rapidly expanding platform in the UK, containing over six times the permissible level of nitrosamines, which are believed to be carcinogenic. Similarly, balloons from eBay and The Range, also stocked at Wilko, were found to contain more than four times the safe limit of nitrosamines. Furthermore, a balloon bought from Debenhams was discovered to have more than double the acceptable quantity of nitrosatable compounds, which can transform into nitrosamines upon contact with saliva.
A family’s alarming experience highlighted the severity of the issue when Trevor and Lucille Mathers unknowingly purchased cancer-causing balloons from Amazon’s Marketplace for their child’s birthday. Subsequent testing revealed that the balloons contained at least 25 times the legal limit of potentially harmful chemicals. Concerns were raised about the heightened vulnerability of children to these substances due to their developing bodies’ reduced capacity to metabolize them. It was emphasized that proper precautions, such as using a pump to inflate balloons and ensuring adult supervision for children under eight, should be taken to minimize exposure.
Which? strongly advised consumers to look for balloons bearing the CE/UKCA mark, which signifies compliance with essential health, safety, and environmental standards. Despite the potential for counterfeit marks, when authentic, these symbols indicate adherence to necessary regulations. The organization further stressed the importance of vigilant purchasing practices and safe handling of balloons to safeguard against health risks.
In response to the findings, the companies involved in the study reiterated their commitment to customer safety. AliExpress, Debenhams, eBay, and Shein promptly removed the identified products from their platforms upon notification by Which?. Wilko, although initially asserting the safety of their products, voluntarily recalled the balloons for additional testing to ensure their suitability.
The revelations have sparked concerns among consumer advocates, with Sue Davies, Which?’s head of consumer protection policy, condemning the sale of balloons containing high levels of carcinogens as unacceptable. The ongoing vigilance and adherence to safety standards are essential to prevent similar incidents in the future.