Seoul authorities have discovered dangerous levels of cancer-causing chemicals in products sold by popular online retailers Shein and Temu, raising serious concerns about consumer safety.
Story Summary:
- Shein and Temu products were found to contain toxic chemicals far above legal limits.
- Phthalates, formaldehyde, and lead were among the harmful substances detected.
- Seoul officials have called for the removal of these products from sale.
Shein, Temu products could be harmful to humans – Seoul authorities
Authorities in Seoul have been conducting inspections on items sold by major online platforms, including Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.
In their most recent tests, 144 products were examined, and multiple items from Shein and Temu failed to meet safety standards.
For instance, shoes from Shein contained phthalates at levels 229 times higher than the legal limit, while sandals from Temu had lead in the insoles at over 11 times the permissible level.
Kim Tae-hee, an official from Seoul’s environmental health team, emphasised the risks associated with these products, stating to AFP:
“Products that exceed the legal limit are products that directly contact the body, such as leather sandals and hats, so citizens should pay special attention.”
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has requested that the unsafe products be removed from sale and plans to continue safety tests regularly.
How are these chemicals harmful to humans?
The chemicals found in the products sold by Shein and Temu pose significant health risks.
Phthalates, for example, are used to make plastics more flexible but can have serious effects on human health.
An official from Seoul’s environmental health team explained:
“Phthalate-based plasticisers affect reproductive functions such as sperm count reduction and can cause infertility and even premature birth.”
Additionally, some phthalates are classified as human carcinogens, making them especially dangerous with long-term exposure.
Formaldehyde, found in Shein’s caps at double the allowable threshold, is another harmful substance.
It is commonly used in building products but can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, and with prolonged exposure, it may increase the risk of cancer.
Dioxane, detected in Shein’s nail polish, is a possible human carcinogen known to cause liver poisoning, while methanol, also found in the nail polish, can cause headaches, dizziness, and even blindness if ingested.
The presence of lead in Temu’s sandals is particularly concerning as lead exposure can lead to severe health issues, including developmental problems in children, kidney damage, and high blood pressure in adults.
Can you return Shein, Temu products for a refund?
If you purchased products from Shein or Temu and need to request a refund due to the discovery of harmful chemicals, both platforms offer clear processes for returns and refunds.
Shein Refund Process:
- Initiating a Return: You can return most items within 45 days of purchase. To start a return, log into your Shein account, go to “My Orders,” select the item(s) you want to return, and choose “Return Item.” You’ll be provided with a prepaid return label in some regions.
- Refund Methods: Shein offers refunds either to your original payment method or as Shein Wallet credit, which is faster and can be received within 24 hours. Refunds to a credit card or PayPal typically take between three to 15 business days.
- Costs and Conditions: The first return from each order is free, but subsequent returns might incur shipping fees. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in their original condition to qualify for a refund.
Temu Refund Process:
- Initiating a Return: Temu allows returns within 90 days of purchase. You need to initiate the return on the Temu app or website, select the items you wish to return and print the provided return label. Items must be returned within 14 days after the return is initiated.
- Refund Methods: Temu offers refunds to the original payment method or as store credit. Refunds to PayPal, credit cards, or debit cards can take 5 to 14 business days. Store credit is issued immediately after the return is processed and can only be used on Temu.
- Costs and Conditions: The first return from each order is free, but any additional returns from the same order will cost $7.99 (est. R144.71) for a return label. Items must be unused and in their original packaging to be eligible for a refund.
While the companies have not yet issued official statements regarding refunds for these specific items, it is generally advisable for consumers to contact customer service directly to inquire about return policies and potential refunds, especially if they have purchased products that may contain harmful chemicals.
