a day ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
4 children's raincoats fail Hong Kong watchdog's physical, chemical safety tests
Four out of 14 children's reusable raincoats tested by Hong Kong's consumer watchdog have failed physical and chemical safety tests due to having excessively long cords and drawstrings or posing a high risk of exposure to harmful substances.
The Consumer Council said on Tuesday that one of the tested products, a raincoat, contained levels of plasticiser that were nearly 11 times the limit outlined in the European Union's safety standards.
'The council has referred the test findings to the Customs and Excise Department for follow-up and calls on manufacturers to improve the design of cords and drawstrings in children's raincoat and poncho products, as well as reducing plasticiser and total lead content in products through improving selected materials, so as to safeguard children's health and safety,' it said.
The watchdog said it had conducted physical and chemical tests on 14 raincoats and ponchos suitable for children aged three to seven or between 110cm and 130cm (43.3 and 51.1 inches) tall, with the products selling for HK$12 to HK$238 (US$1.5 to US$30.3).
The council said the tests included checking the safety of the coats' cords, drawstrings and any sharp points or edges, as well as checking for 'phthalates', a group of chemicals primarily used to make plastics more flexible and durable, and heavy metal content.
Tests found that three samples with cords or drawstrings failed to comply with EU safety standards for length.
