Party balloons with excessive levels of cancer-causing chemicals have surfaced for sale on popular online platforms such as Debenhams and eBay. Tests conducted by consumer group Which? revealed that certain balloons being sold by third-party vendors exceeded permitted limits by up to six times, posing health risks to consumers. The hazardous chemicals can be transferred through skin contact, inhalation, or oral exposure when handling or blowing up the balloons.
Which? examined 21 packs of latex balloons from various online marketplaces and discovered that eight of them contained concentrations of potentially carcinogenic substances well above the UK’s legal threshold, indicating illegal sale. Examples included a balloon from AliExpress, a rapidly growing platform in the UK, which had over six times the approved level of nitrosamines. Similarly, balloons from eBay and The Range, also found at Wilko, exceeded safe nitrosamine levels by more than four times. Additionally, a balloon purchased from Debenhams contained more than double the permissible amount of nitrosatable substances, which can transform into nitrosamines upon contact with saliva.
In a concerning incident, Trevor and Lucille Mathers unknowingly bought cancer-causing balloons from Amazon’s Marketplace for their child’s birthday in March 2024. A year later, Amazon alerted them about the dangerous chemicals in the balloons, warning that they contained at least 25 times the legal limit. Such exposure can lead to cancer through ingestion or direct contact with the skin. Consumer protection expert Sue Davies criticized the lack of safety checks on seemingly harmless products like party balloons, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety regulations.
Which? advises consumers to look for balloons with a CE/UKCA mark to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Despite possible counterfeit markings, proper use of these designations indicates the balloons meet required quality standards. The organization also recommends using a pump for inflation to avoid mouth contact and suggests that adults should inflate balloons for children under eight years old.
Responding to the findings, the companies involved emphasized their commitment to customer safety. AliExpress, Debenhams, eBay, and Shein swiftly removed problematic listings upon notification by Which? and pledged to address any safety concerns. Wilko voluntarily recalled balloons from its stores and website for further testing to safeguard customer well-being.
The incidents underscore the need for vigilance when purchasing seemingly innocuous items, as consumer safety remains a top priority for retailers and online marketplaces.