Party balloons containing harmful chemicals exceeding legal limits have been discovered for sale on major online platforms, such as Debenhams and eBay. Independent tests conducted by consumer advocacy group Which? revealed that certain balloons being sold online had up to six times the approved levels of carcinogenic substances, posing health risks when handled, inflated, or inhaled.
Which? purchased 21 packs of latex balloons from various online marketplaces for testing against UK safety standards. Out of these, eight packs were found to contain concentrations of potentially cancer-causing chemicals well above the permissible threshold, indicating illegal sale. Examples included balloons from AliExpress, eBay, and The Range (also sold at Wilko), which exceeded safe limits for nitrosamines – substances linked to cancer. Debenhams was also flagged for selling balloons with excessive nitrosatable substances that can transform into nitrosamines upon saliva contact.
In a personal account, Trevor and Lucille Mathers shared their experience of unknowingly buying cancer-causing balloons from Amazon’s Marketplace. Despite Amazon issuing a belated warning about the high chemical content, the balloons purchased had 25 times the legal limit of harmful substances, raising concerns about cancer risks through skin contact or ingestion.
Children are particularly vulnerable to such toxins due to their developing bodies’ limited ability to metabolize them. Natalie Hitchins, a parent and Which? representative, recounted a similar incident involving superhero-themed balloons from Shein that emitted strong chemical odors and caused adverse physical reactions. Testing confirmed unsafe levels of nitrosamines in the same balloons.
Which? emphasized the importance of buying balloons with CE/UKCA markings to ensure compliance with safety standards. It advised using pumps for inflation to avoid mouth contact, especially for children under eight. Despite the alarming findings, companies mentioned in the investigation stressed their commitment to customer safety and swift action in removing non-compliant products from sale.
In response to the scrutiny, AliExpress, Debenhams, eBay, and Shein affirmed their dedication to safety protocols and product removal upon notification. Wilko, while initially defending the safety of their balloons, proactively recalled the items for further testing to validate their safety standards.
The discovery of hazardous chemicals in seemingly harmless party balloons has raised concerns about inadequate safety checks and the potential health implications of exposure to carcinogens. Vigilance in purchasing compliant products and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial for safeguarding consumers, especially children, against harmful substances.
