Slippers and Co. in the Test: Almost Half Contaminated with Dangerous Chemicals

The SVHC, which are considered particularly concerning according to the European Chemicals Regulation (REACH), can have carcinogenic, hormonal, reproductive, or genetic altering properties. Eleven of the tested shoes contained no SVHC. However, traces of lead, which is considered potentially carcinogenic and harmful to reproduction, were found in eight samples.

Cheap Flip-Flops: Plasticizer Limit Exceeded by 420 Times

The negative leader was flip-flops ordered from a Chinese online retailer. They contain 42 percent plasticizers, many of which are proven to be harmful to reproduction and affect our hormonal balance - with serious health consequences. The EU limit for these substances was exceeded by 420 times in the shoes. "Plasticizers from these shoes are absorbed through the skin or end up in house dust and from there into our lungs. They are even detected in children's urine, sometimes in significant concentrations. Such shoes are banned and should not be worn under any circumstances," warns Dominik Linhard, head of department at Global 2000.

The second product that should not have been sold was sandals from the range of a German fashion retailer, which, in addition to lead, had a chromium VI content (9.2 mg/kg) above the limit of 3 mg/kg. At 119.99 euros, they were the most expensive option in the test, while the criticized flip-flops at 5.41 euros were among the cheapest products.

Lead was detected in more than a quarter of the shoes examined. "However, the amounts found were below the limit. Lead accumulates in the body with continuous intake of even the smallest amounts and can lead to chronic poisoning over time. Therefore, there is reason for caution even with small amounts," explains Linhard.

Dangerous Chemicals: Global 2000 Recommends "Scan4Chem" App

Global 2000 demands that companies must replace SVHC with safe alternatives as quickly as possible. There need to be clear bans on particularly dangerous substances - such as hormonally active or carcinogenic chemicals without a safe threshold. Furthermore, the environmental protection organization calls for a swift identification and inclusion of potentially particularly concerning substances in the candidate list, transparency along the supply chain, stronger control and clear responsibilities, as well as strengthening the right to information.

The organization advises consumers not to buy cheap products in online retail, as the risk of receiving goods contaminated with dangerous chemicals is many times higher. In general, plastic should be avoided, as it often contains SVHC. "Use your nose and do not buy products that have a strong smell," it said, as this is a clear indication that dangerous chemicals are present. Global 2000 recommends the "Scan4Chem" app. With this, you can inquire with manufacturers and retailers whether a specific product contains SVHC. "Scan as many products as possible to show companies that we consumers want safe products!" Global 2000 urged. All test results can be found here.

(APA/Red.)

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