Cancer chemical 4 times national standard in swimwear

Levels of cancer-causing chemicals four times the national standard have been found in swimwear tested by Shanghai’s consumer watchdog.

One quarter of swimming garments tested in a random inspection failed to meet quality standards, the Shanghai Quality and Technical Supervision Bureau said yesterday.

Problems identified included levels of carcinogenic formaldehyde and color fading that can cause skin conditions.

The inspection covered 32 products from 31 manufacturers. Eight failed to meet quality standards.

The watchdog found levels of formaldehyde reached 80mg per kilogram in an Arena brand children’s swimsuit made by Shanghai Decente Business Co Ltd, four times the national standard.

Formaldehyde is used in textile production to prevent shrinking and keep material from wrinkling.

Exposure can cause allergies and is associated with forms of cancer.

The bureau also found that the color of some swimwear fades too easily in chlorinated water or when exposed to the sun. This can lead to itchiness and allergies.

Safety hazards were also found with children’s swimwear made to adult designs, including ties being too long.

Manufacturers whose products failed to meet standards have been told to make improvements.