Want China Times, CNA 2013-12-25
Six out of 19 children's footwear samples in Taiwan recently tested positive for containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals at levels 100 times greater than the maximum levels permitted, while two contained carcinogens.
Shoes displayed at a press event held by the Consumers' Foundation, Dec. 24. (Photo/Fang Chun-che) |
Six out of 19 children's footwear samples in Taiwan recently tested positive for containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals at levels 100 times greater than the maximum levels permitted, while two contained carcinogens.
The tests
were carried out by the Consumers' Foundation and the Bureau of Standards,
Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, on 19
samples of childrens' shoes priced between NT$190 (US$6.32) and NT$942
(US$31.40).
The results
show that 10 samples were substandard, representing a failure rate of 53%.
Meanwhile, seven samples were not in compliance with regulations and six were
mislabeled.
Six samples
were found to contain eight types of phthalate-based plasticizers and compounds
at levels 100 times greater than the maximum permissible levels.
Phthalate
is a type of environmental hormone that can cause male feminization and may
increase the risk of developing breast cancer in women. It can also affect
infant growth.
Higher-than-allowed
levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were also found in the
products. PAH is considered a carcinogenic that can cause skin, lung, gastric
and liver cancer.
The local
manufacturers will face fines ranging from NT$20,000-200,000 (US$670-6,700) if
they fail to make improvements, the inspection authorities said.
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