Phthalate plasticizers are presumed to cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs. (image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, May 3 (Korea Bizwire) — Phthalate plasticizer, which can hinder human endocrine systems, has been discovered in toy electric vehicles for children.
The Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) conducted an investigation into 12 different models of electric vehicles in the market, and found standard-exceeding levels of phthalate plasticizer in four of them. The four models were the LS-528 (JooJooToys), AM-177 (CleverToys), Hana Kids’ Car 1 (HanaToys), and Audi A3 (HatsalToys).
Phthalate plasticizers are substances added to plastics in order to increase flexibility, elasticity, and durability. According to the KCA, however, they are presumed to cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs.
The regulations forbid the total content of such plasticizers from exceeding 0.1 percent for children’s products.
The level of DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate) discovered in the Hana Kids’ Car 1 was 24.8 percent, 240 times the standard.
Levels of DEHP of up to 24 percent were found in CleverToys’ AM-177, 21.2 percent in JooJooToys’ LS-528, and 6.2 percent in HatsalToys’ Audi A3.
All four companies are currently offering free repair or replacement services for the above products.
The manufacturers also failed to include information such as safety guidelines, date of production, and manufacturer information with their products.
By Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
