Seoul finds hazardous substances in popular children's toys

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has announced that several popular children's toys, specifically 'wax balls' (clay toys coated in wax), have tested positive for hazardous substances. Although these products are often labeled for users aged 14 and older, the city conducted safety tests using standards for children aged 8 and older due to the high likelihood of children using them.

Out of 20 products tested—including tactile toys, party supplies, keychains, stickers, and markers—seven failed to meet safety standards. Key findings include:

• Tactile products: Some contained phthalate plasticizers, which can cause endocrine disruption, at levels up to 164.2 times the safety limit. Cadmium, a carcinogen, was also detected at 1.5 times the limit. • Chemical exposure: Some products exceeded limits for formaldehyde, methanol, and boron during leaching tests. • Stickers: One sticker product contained phthalates at 176 times the limit and cadmium at 5 times the limit. • Physical hazards: A keycap keychain allowed a small battery to detach, posing a swallowing hazard.

The city has requested that overseas online platforms stop selling the non-compliant products and has distributed notices to local elementary schools and toy districts to prevent accidental purchases by children.