Fast fashion comes with multiple complications. While the items may be more affordable in the short term, everything comes at a cost at some point or another. Recently, authorities in Seoul found that some items, particularly women’s accessories contained toxic substances, sometimes hundreds of times over the acceptable and legal levels.
As global sales have skyrocketed on these platforms, the authorities in Seoul have been keeping a close eye on these new e-commerce giants and have come across these staggering amounts of toxins at the weekly inspections.
Two bottles of nail polish from Shein were found to contain alarmingly high levels of dioxane, a possible human carcinogen linked to liver poisoning. The bottles had over 3.6 times the legal limit. Additionally, methanol levels were 1.4 times above what’s deemed safe.
One pair of shoes from Shein contained phthalates to the amount of 229 times over the legal amount.
Phthalates is a controlled chemical as exposure to it is known to pose health risks such as:
Hormonal imbalances:
Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which means that they can interfere with the body’s hormone systems. This can lead to developmental, reproductive, and neurological issues. In particular, they can mimic or block hormones like estrogen and testosterone, leading to hormonal imbalances.
Reproductive Issues:
Studies have shown that exposure to certain phthalates can affect reproductive health, especially in males. This can include reduced sperm quality, lower testosterone levels, and issues with fetal development during pregnancy.
Developmental Effects:
Phthalates have been linked to developmental problems in children, including cognitive and behavioural issues. Prenatal exposure has been associated with lower IQ, attention disorders, and delayed motor development.
Respiratory Problems:
Inhalation of phthalates, particularly in environments with high levels of plastic products, has been associated with respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies.
Obesity and Metabolic Issues:
Some studies suggest a link between phthalate exposure and an increased risk of obesity and related metabolic disorders, potentially due to their impact on hormone regulation.
Cancer:
While more research is needed, there is concern that certain phthalates may be carcinogenic, meaning they could potentially increase the risk of cancer.
“Upon receiving notice from the Seoul city government, we immediately launched an internal investigation,” said a spokesperson from Temu to AFP.
“We have swiftly removed these product listings from our global marketplace and are enhancing our systems and guidance to merchants to ensure they comply with safety standards and local regulations.”
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Feature image: Stefanie Keenan / (Getty Images)
