South Korean officials have discovered that some products from popular online shopping sites like Shein and Temu are dangerously contaminated with harmful chemicals. The news has sent ripples through the fashion world, sparking serious concerns about what we’re actually buying.
What’s the Problem?
Authorities in Seoul have been inspecting items sold by these online giants, and the results are alarming. Many products, including clothes and accessories from Shein, Temu, and AliExpress, were found to have toxic levels of dangerous substances. Some of these chemicals are hundreds of times over the legal safety limits.
For instance, shoes from Shein were found to have a chemical called phthalates at levels 229 times higher than what’s considered safe. Phthalates are used to make plastic more flexible but can harm reproductive health and may even cause cancer.
In other shocking findings, formaldehyde, a chemical often used in building materials, was found in Shein’s hats at double the allowed limit. And two bottles of nail polish from Shein contained dioxane, a possible carcinogen, at levels more than three times the safe amount. Methanol, a toxic substance, was also found in the nail polish.
What About Temu?
Temu wasn’t spared either. Sandals sold by Temu had lead in the insoles at levels over 11 times the legal limit. Lead is extremely harmful, especially if it’s absorbed through the skin or ingested, and can cause serious health problems.
Companies React
In response to the findings, both Shein and Temu have promised to take action. Shein says it will work with third-party testing agencies to ensure their products meet safety standards. They claim their suppliers must follow strict safety rules, and they are now reviewing their products to fix any issues.
Temu has removed the unsafe products from its website and is investigating how the contamination happened. They are also improving their procedures to make sure future products meet safety standards.
What’s Next?
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has asked for these dangerous products to be taken off the shelves. They also plan to keep testing and monitoring products to ensure they are safe.
In Europe, Shein is now facing stricter safety regulations due to these issues. The European Union has added the company to a list of firms that must follow more rigorous safety rules to protect customers, especially children.
This news serves as a stark reminder to all of us to be cautious about what we buy online and to pay attention to safety warnings.
