Children's footwear in Taiwan found to contain endocrine disruptors

Want China Times, CNA 2013-12-25

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.