Sweden: Inspectors find toxic substances in market goods

Swedish inspectors are actively scrutinizing jewelry and toys sold at summer markets across the country, identifying potential health hazards. Robert Ljunggren, an inspector with the Swedish Chemicals Agency (Kemikalieinspektionen), highlighted that these product groups frequently contain prohibited substances or exhibit labeling deficiencies.

"If toys made of soft plastic smell bad or are sticky, it's a warning sign, then perhaps one should buy something else instead," Ljunggren advised. Preliminary results indicate a higher prevalence of issues at market stalls compared to online retailers. Common contaminants found in jewelry include lead, cadmium, and nickel, while soft plastic toys may contain forbidden plasticizers like phthalates. Lead is also often found in solderings of electrical toys.

The substances can lead to allergies, affect reproductive capabilities, and in some cases, increase cancer risk. While not typically acutely dangerous, prolonged exposure from various sources poses a long-term threat. Children are particularly vulnerable, and ingesting or sucking on contaminated items can be hazardous. Previous inspections revealed that approximately 40% of controlled jewelry and nearly 100% of piercings contained prohibited substances.

Inspectors are also examining trendy toys, including suspected counterfeit versions of popular Labubu dolls and squishy dumplings, which have a strong, gasoline-like odor. While smell alone isn't definitive proof of forbidden substances, it can be an indicator. Consumers are urged to be vigilant about suspiciously low prices, especially for trendy items, and to carefully check for proper labeling, such as the CE mark and manufacturer details, preferring branded jewelry over potentially harmful alternatives.

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If toys made of soft plastic smell bad or are sticky, it's a warning sign, then perhaps one should buy something else instead.