Hormone-affecting substance in erasers could put children at risk, Hong Kong consumer watchdog says

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.”