Watchdog Issues Safety Warning Over Squeezy Toys

The Consumer Council on Tuesday warned that some stress-relieving toys for children that are on sale in Hong Kong contain chemicals that can cause cancer.

The watchdog said it tested 29 poppit and squeeze toys bought from toy, stationery or baby product shops, as well as online.

It found that 22 of them failed to meet European Union standards regarding mechanical and physical aspects, while structural safety problems involving small parts and fluid leakage were identified in 15 of the products.

“When [the children] squeeze, squeeze, squeeze, the fluid will leak out. It is similar to food, therefore it’s very easy [for them] to swallow it because they think it is juice,” said Nora Tam, the chairwoman of the council’s research and testing committee.

The watchdog also said that potentially carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were detected in 25 of the samples, in two toys exceeding the upper limit of the German safety standard by at least four times.

One of the two products also contained another potential carcinogen, DEHP, at a level that was 250 times higher than Hong Kong's safety limit.

Tam said parents need to be careful about what kind of toys their children play with.

“PAH is toxic and carcinogenic, particularly naphthalene. Naphthalene is volatile, and therefore it can easily be taken in by children through breathing. Two models have naphthalene levels exceeding the upper limit of Germany’s safety standard by four to 11 times,” she said.

Separately, the consumer watchdog called on authorities to step up enforcement against drug stores that illegally sell prescription nasal sprays.

This came after the watchdog managed to buy six products without a doctor's prescription.

“Unfortunately, a lot of the drug stores do not really follow the regulation. I think it’s important that the authorities step up patrols,” Tam said, adding that people should consult doctors first before buying nasal sprays to alleviate hay fever.

She said these drugs can cause serious side effects if they aren't used correctly.