Carcinogenic substances in plastic clogs

Plastic clogs with highly carcinogenic substances

29/07/2013

Plastic clogs are very popular as summer shoes for children, but they often contain a whole cocktail of dangerous chemicals, according to a recent study by the company „Westdeutscher Rundfunk“ (WDR). When wearing the plastic clogs should therefore always be tightened socks.

The gaudy-colored plastic clogs would have some highly carcinogenic substances that can be absorbed through the skin, reports the „WDR“. The transmitter had sent ten pairs of plastic clogs from all price ranges to the lab for analysis. „The result: with the plastic clogs you pull a whole chemical cocktail to your feet“, so the current release of the „WDR“. As a footwear for children, the plastic treadmills are therefore quite critical to evaluate.

Highly carcinogenic PAH in plastic clogs
Particularly problematic is according to the „WDR“ the proportion of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) that has been detected in numerous plastic clogs. „ They are considered to be highly carcinogenic“ and the experts of the Federal Environment Agency therefore demand „For a long time an extremely low limit for these substances, which is not yet in force“, reports the transmitter. „In six of the ten shoe pairs tested, the laboratory has detected PAHs - in some cases significantly above this limit“, so the result of the current investigation of „WDR“. Although in some plastic clogs such as in the shoes of the brand „Crocs“ to detect any PAH, but they contained various solvents that cause allergies and can cause skin irritation.

Heavy metals in plastic clogs a long-term environmental impact
Overall, solvents were detected in six of the tested plastic clogs „and seven pairs were also burdened with heavy metals“, reports the „WDR“. Although the latter can not be absorbed through the skin, heavy metals such as chromium, lead and cadmium, if the shoes end up in the garbage, would endanger the environment.

Socks to protect against the ingredients of plastic clogs
The conclusion of the WDR investigation is: "Who, despite the health-critical ingredients necessarily go to fashion and do not want to give up the colorful plastic treadle, should urgently protect his feet with socks, even if this is not a pleasure in the midsummer temperatures . " (Fp)

Image: miraliki