Party balloons sold on major online platforms like Debenhams and eBay have been discovered to contain harmful levels of cancer-causing chemicals. Tests conducted by consumer group Which? revealed that some balloons being sold exceeded the permitted chemical limits by up to six times, posing a significant health risk to consumers. These chemicals can be hazardous when inhaled or come into contact with the skin.
Which? purchased 21 packs of latex balloons from various online marketplaces and found that eight of them contained concentrations of potentially carcinogenic substances well above the legal limit in the UK, indicating that they were being unlawfully sold. Examples included balloons from AliExpress, eBay, The Range (also sold at Wilko), and Debenhams, all surpassing safe levels of nitrosamines and nitrosatable substances.
Concerns were raised when a couple, Trevor and Lucille Mathers, bought cancer-causing balloons from Amazon Marketplace for their child’s birthday, only to receive a warning a year later about the high levels of harmful chemicals in the balloons. The notification highlighted the significant health risks associated with the balloons, emphasizing the dangers of exposure to carcinogens, especially for children.
Further instances of hazardous balloons were reported by Natalie Hitchins from Which?, who experienced adverse effects while inflating balloons purchased from Shein for her son’s birthday. The overpowering chemical smell and physical reactions she encountered underscored the importance of ensuring the safety of party supplies, particularly for children.
Sue Davies, the head of consumer protection policy at Which?, expressed outrage at the exposure of children to dangerous chemicals through seemingly harmless products like party balloons. She emphasized the need for stringent safety checks to prevent the sale of non-compliant items that could pose serious health risks to consumers.
Which? advised consumers to look for balloons with a CE/UKCA mark to ensure they meet health, safety, and environmental standards. Despite the potential for counterfeit marks, using a pump for inflation and adult supervision for children under eight years old were recommended safety measures to minimize contact with harmful chemicals.
In response to the findings, companies such as AliExpress, Debenhams, eBay, and Shein took immediate action to remove the identified hazardous products from their platforms, underscoring their commitment to customer safety. Wilko also recalled balloons for further testing to ensure compliance with safety standards and protect consumers from potential health hazards.