Gov't finds carcinogens in children's products

SEOUL, April 28 (Yonhap) -- The government said Tuesday it has found
cancer-causing chemicals in 79 products made for babies and children.

The confirmation comes after inspectors checked 534 products sold by large
discount outlets, specialized toy shops, and online shopping malls, said the
Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS).
The agency under the Ministry of Knowledge Economy said products were checked
over the last two months. Thirteen products were found to have been made
illegally.
Of the baby carriages, strollers, toys and furniture checked, 27 were made
locally and 52 were imported.
It said several strollers and baby carriages contained formaldehyde and lead,
with one bed having five times the permissible level of diethylhexyl phthalate
(DEHP).
Formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogen and can irritate eyes and skin. DEHP,
used to soften plastic, has been cited for liver and kidney damage and causing
harm to the body's internal secretion systems.
The latest examination of products showed 38 of toys out of 189 failing to meet
safety standards, with 26 having 372 times the authorized limit of DEHP.
Tests conducted on disposable diapers and metallic accessories used by children
passed the government's tests.
Authorities said all substandard products will be removed from store shelves,
with details on product names to be released on the government's product safety
Web site at www.safetykorea.