Hormone-affecting substance in erasers could put children at risk, Hong Kong consumer watchdog says
All but one model out of 25 tested by Consumer Council contained chemicals that can increase risk of breast cancer and disrupt testosterone levels
All but one out of 25 eraser models tested in Hong Kong contained a hormone-affecting substance, according to the Consumer Council, posing a health risk for children, especially those with a habit of putting the stationery items in contact with their mouths.
The consumer watchdog found that over 50 per cent of erasers in the market contained excessive amounts of phthalates, a group of chemicals commonly used as plasticisers – to make stationery items soft and elastic.
When ingested, phthalates can disturb the balance and function of the hormonal system in children. Excessive amounts consumed can increase the risk of breast cancer in females and disrupt testosterone levels in males.
The council sampled 25 eraser models available on the market and found that only one model was free of the tested substance. The worst sample had more than 60 per cent of its gross weight consisted of phthalates.
Michael Hui King-man, a member of the council, said there is currently no set limit in Hong Kong for how much plasticiser is allowed in stationary items. But he said the test referenced a standard established in Taiwan.
“[The standard] stipulates that the total content [of phthalate] should not be over 0.1 per cent (of the total weight),” he said. “So the worst sample exceeded that limit by about 600 times.”
The total amount of phthalate in the 24 affected models ranged from 0.003 per cent to 60.9 per cent, with 14 samples containing more than 31.3 per cent of the substance.
According to Hui, although the normal usage of erasers was not an issue, children have the bad habit of licking, sucking and chewing their erasers, and could be severely affected by the excessive amount of plasticiser in the items.
Dr Chan Yee-shing, vice chairman of the Hong Kong Medical Association, said children with autism or compulsive obsessive disorder were the most at risk from such erasers.
“These children might obsessively put their erasers in their mouths. They are addicted to biting,” Chan said.
He added that the city should set up its own standard to minimise consumers’ contact with phthalates.
The council said some models examined in the test also came with a certain fragrance, which could further tempt children into biting or chewing them.
In response to the findings, Mongson Trading Limited, the exclusive local agent of Tombow Japan Mono Plastic Eraser PE-03A – one of the erasers tested and found to contain the substance – said they had an “in-depth communication” with Tombow Japan.
Mongson pointed out that while there are no established safety standards for phthalates in Hong Kong, “the tested product has been widely sold locally in Japan since 1969”.
“As a responsible manufacturer, Tombow Japan complies with all national/regional regulations, guidelines, international laws and standards. The product is in accordance with Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department import legislations,” Mongson said in a statement.
The agent also assured that they will step up consumer “awareness” and safety training to educate staff and retailers on proper usage instructions given to consumers.
