- Exceeding the threshold by 229 times: Hazardous substances detected in Temu and Shein merchandise
Delivery workers globally have been handling packages from Temu, Shein, and Aliexpress for years, with the massive influx of orders causing tight spaces in cargo planes from China for other shipping services. Catchy slogans like "Shop like a billionaire" are popular, and prices in the single-digit Euro range are even more so.
However, affordable products have a dark side – and it's not just the promotion of a disposable lifestyle or the environmental impact of shipping routes that span the globe. As reported by "The Straits Times," South Korean authorities have issued warnings about harmful substances found in the goods of Chinese budget providers once again.
Temu and Shein: Toxic footwear and lead-filled sandals
According to the report, inspectors focused predominantly on women's fashion items. A total of 144 products from Shein, Aliexpress, and Temu were recently tested, and all providers failed in part. Particularly concerning was a pair of Shein shoes that surpassed the legally permissible limit for harmful phthalates by 229 times.
"Phthalates can negatively impact reproductive functions, such as reducing sperm count and leading to infertility and even premature births," a Seoul Ministry of Environment and Health official told news agency AFP.
One of the chemicals found "is categorized as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer," he warned. Excessive amounts of formaldehyde were discovered in Shein hats, and dangerously high dioxin levels were found in nail polish samples. Both chemicals can cause severe health issues.
The verdict was no more lenient for other budget providers. Eleven times the legally permitted amount of lead was found in Temu sandals.
Providers pledge more protection, politics makes little progress
Shein and Temu responded with statements. Shein stated that it "collaborates closely with independent testing institutions" and requires its suppliers to adhere to "laws and regulations on product safety in the countries where Shein operates."
Temu also claimed that it strictly monitors suppliers, with affected products "immediately removed from the platform" and sellers on the platform reminded to comply with safety standards and local laws.
The current warning from the South Korean ministry is likely to be disregarded, as have some previous investigations. Temu and Shein draw customers in with quantity and nearly unbelievably low prices, not quality. It's likely that customers will continue to look the other way.
Instead, Western governments, particularly the USA and the EU, should ensure more safety. Although strict rules for product safety and mail order already exist here, Chinese mega-companies have largely disregarded them since their inception. Corresponding measures are planned in the EU, but their implementation is still pending.
Despite the companies' assurances of adhering to safety regulations and testing, harmful substances continue to be found in cheap goods from providers like Shein and Temu. For instance, a pair of Shein shoes exceeded the legal limit for harmful phthalates by an alarming 229 times.
The European Union has planned strict measures to address this issue, but their implementation is yet to begin, leaving consumers vulnerable to the health risks associated with these toxic products.
