Recent discoveries have revealed that party balloons being sold on major online platforms such as Debenhams and eBay contain alarming levels of cancer-causing substances. Tests conducted by consumer group Which? uncovered that some of these balloons exceeded legal limits by up to six times, posing a significant health risk to consumers.
Which? purchased and examined 21 packs of latex balloons from various online marketplaces, finding that 8 out of the 21 exceeded the UK’s allowed levels of potentially carcinogenic chemicals. Notably, balloons from sellers on platforms like AliExpress, eBay, The Range, and Debenhams were flagged for containing dangerous concentrations of nitrosamines, known to be probable carcinogens.
A couple, Trevor and Lucille Mathers, shared their concerning experience after buying balloons from Amazon’s Marketplace, only to later discover that the balloons contained 25 times the legal limit of harmful chemicals. This revelation raised serious health concerns, particularly for children who are more vulnerable to the effects of such substances.
Furthermore, Natalie Hitchins from Which? recounted a distressing incident involving balloons purchased from Shein, which emitted strong chemical odors and caused physical discomfort upon inflation. Testing confirmed that these balloons contained double the acceptable levels of nitrosamines, highlighting the pervasive issue of unsafe balloon products in the market.
Expressing dismay over these findings, Sue Davies, head of consumer protection policy at Which?, emphasized the need for stringent safety checks on products like party balloons to prevent harmful exposure to carcinogens. Which? advised consumers to look for balloons carrying a CE/UKCA mark as an indicator of compliance with safety standards.
In response to the revelations, the companies involved assured customers of their commitment to safety. They promptly removed the identified products from sale and pledged to conduct thorough investigations to ensure product safety and regulatory compliance.
As the issue gains attention, it underscores the importance of vigilance when purchasing items like party balloons, urging consumers to prioritize safety and opt for products that meet established health and environmental standards.