"Balloons bought from online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon contain toxic cancer-causing chemicals, experts warn. An investigation from Which? reveals balloons carry nitrosamines, carcinogenic compounds produced during industrial manufacturing processes. Shockingly, one unbranded packet of balloons sold online by AliExpress contained six times the legal limit of nitrosamines. Worrying, many of the balloons are marketed to children, while others are directed at people organising parties and weddings."
"Researchers are especially worried that a child could be exposed when putting balloons to their mouth - either when blowing them up or during play. According to the investigation, the compounds release a 'strong chemical smell' and can cause dizziness and numb lips. Sue Davies, Which?'s head of consumer protection, said exposing children to high concentrations of carcinogens is 'outrageous'."
"So the experts purchased 21 packs of latex balloons from marketplaces eBay, Amazon, AliExpress, Debenhams, Shein and The Range (also sold at Wilko). Most didn't have brands or names but were typically listed like: '100 X Latex PLAIN BALOON [sic] BALLONS helium BALLOONS Quality Party Birthday Wedding.' Tests measured the levels of nitrosamines and nitrosatable substances (which turn into nitrosamines on contact with salvia) found in the balloons and released when they're inflated."
Balloons sold on marketplaces including eBay, Amazon, AliExpress, Debenhams, Shein and The Range were purchased and tested for nitrosamines and nitrosatable substances released when inflated. Tests on 21 packs of latex balloons found eight packs exceeded the UK's permitted nitrosamine limit, with one AliExpress packet containing more than six times the legal level. Many balloons lacked brands and were marketed to children or to party and wedding organisers. Exposure risk includes children putting balloons to their mouths when inflating or playing, and reported symptoms include a strong chemical smell, dizziness and numb lips. Sales of non-compliant balloons breach legal limits.
Read at Mail Online
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