TÜV warning of holiday souvenirs

Toys and sunglasses worrying holiday souvenirs

07/26/2012

If parents at home often pay close attention to the fact that toys and clothing do not endanger the well-being of their child, then the attitude during the holidays is often a bit more relaxed. According to a recent study by TÜV Rheinland, special caution is warranted, especially for products from popular European holiday regions.

For the third time, the TÜV Rheinland claims to have „embark on a great European shopping tour“, to take a closer look at popular products and souvenirs from the holiday regions. This year, toys, sunglasses and football shirts were on the shopping list of the TÜV. The „right on the beach or in souvenir and cheap stores“ The products purchased often did not comply with the minimum requirements of the European Union and thus could not have been sold in the European holiday regions at all, according to TÜV.

Dangerous toys from the holiday regions
The TÜV experts were alarmed at the results of their current tests, as 52 of the 134 items purchased did not meet the requirements of the European Union's basic safety standards and labeling requirements. Especially the toys tested showed some significant deficiencies. More than half (28 out of 45) of the toys from holiday regions in Spain (11 toys), Italy (13), the Netherlands (11) and Germany (10) had significant shortcomings. These ranged from missing markings and safety instructions, to small parts that could be swallowed and the possibility of short circuits, to increased levels of phthalates (plasticizers) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Both substances are toxic and are considered carcinogenic. According to TÜV, many of the products represent a significant safety risk for the children and should therefore not be sold.

A total of fourteen of the toy articles tested failed in mechanical testing. It could be swallowed small parts or the toys had nipples, in which children could squeeze a finger, for example. Eight products were tested in the chemical tests because they contained potentially harmful substances such as phthalates and heavy metals, or one „microbiological contamination“ threatens, so the message of the TÜV. In addition, two toys were too flammable and a few others had shortcomings in electrical safety, for example, the battery compartment was not secured or the possibility of short-circuits existed.

Almost half of the sunglasses do not meet the requirements
Similarly bad as the toys cut the tested sunglasses in the TÜV test. Around 40 percent did not meet the requirements of TÜV Rheinland. Seven out of 16 sunglasses tested in Germany, seven out of 17 from the Netherlands, three out of 12 in Italy and seven out of 15 in Spain did not pass the test. Among other things, they showed weaknesses in UV protection, roadworthiness, impact resistance, optical quality and processed materials. Many sunglasses are not recommended by the TÜV due to the proven shortcomings.

All textiles without pollutants
The football shirts that were also examined were in the current TÜV analysis in contrast to the toys and sunglasses a real bright spot. The textiles have met all applicable limits and were therefore not objectionable from a health point of view. All 29 children's shirts in the test were free of special loads with pollutants or allergenic substances, according to the statement of the TÜV. However, the quality of the football shirts was usually not convincing. Many products were defective in processing. According to the TÜV cheap shirts are not recommended for buying, because the joy of the products due to the processing weaknesses is very limited in time.

Weaknesses of cheap souvenirs
All articles, which the TÜV Rheinland in his current investigation has taken a closer look, cost no more than a maximum of 20 euros, some only 99 cents. The fact that no special quality can be expected for this price should not only apply to the holiday regions. No wonder, therefore, that numerous products have failed during the investigations. As a basis for the assessment, TÜV Rheinland met the minimum requirements of European safety standards. According to the TÜV, this includes in particular the safety requirements for toys (2009/48 / EC and EN 71 and EN 62115), the chemicals regulation REACH 1907/2006 EC (Annex XVII, prohibition of certain phthalates) and the standard DIN EN 1836: 2007 for Sunglasses. (Fp)

Also read:
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Children's perfume contains allergy substances
Health hazard due to children's toys
Dangerous pollutants in children's toys
Children's clothing often contains pollutants

Picture credits: Rosel Eckstein