Cancer-causing chemicals found in several suitcase brands, Hong Kong consumer watchdog warns
- Consumer Council advise people to ‘promptly’ wash hands with mild soap after touching suitcase handles
- One tested suitcase exceeded EU concentration limit of reproductive toxicant DEHP by 45 times, while another contained two types of PAHs, which potentially cause cancer
Several suitcase brands have been found to contain cancer-causing chemicals linked to hampering children’s growth and impairing the male reproductive system, Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has said, urging people to wash their hands after touching luggage handles.
The Consumer Council on Wednesday revealed that one of 15 tested suitcase samples contained the harmful chemical DEHP at a concentration of 45 times the European Union’s limit.
Another brand failed to comply with a German voluntary labelling scheme’s limit of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as it had high levels of the chemicals, which could potentially cause cancer in humans.
“EU and United States research studies have found that DEHP can hinder the normal growth of children and may impair the male reproductive system, while contact with DEHP during pregnancy may affect fetal development,” said Kyrus Siu King-wai, chairman of the council’s publicity and community relations committee.
The watchdog conducted 10-item tests on 15 medium-sized hardside suitcases, measuring from 24 inches (60cm) to 28 inches in height, and weighing between 2.5kg (5.5lbs) and 2.6kg. Their prices ranged between HK$730 (US$93) and HK$8,200.