CHINA-Clothes Dangerous Levels of FORMALDEHYDE

rumoret

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/f66851fc-4f48-11dc-b485-0000779fd2ac.html


Poison clothes add to China export scares
By Geoff Dyer in Shanghai
Published: August 20 2007 19:56 | Last updated: August 20 2007 19:56
The safety problems affecting Chinese goods spread from toys to textiles on Monday as New Zealand said it would investigate allegations that imported children’s clothes contained dangerous levels of formaldehyde.

The government ordered the probe after scientists hired by a consumer watchdog programme discovered formaldehyde in Chinese clothes at levels of up to 900 times regarded as safe. Manufacturers sometimes apply formaldehyde to clothes to prevent mildew. It can cause skin rashes, irritation to the eyes and throat and allergic reactions.

The Warehouse, a New Zealand retailer, issued a recall at the weekend for children’s pyjamas made in China after two children were burned when their flannelette nightclothes caught fire.

The New Zealand investigation is the first time that the safety of Chinese clothes has been called into question; concerns have been raised over a series of Chinese products in recent months, including toys, food and toothpaste. Last week, Mattel said it was recalling 18.2m toys globally because of hazards such as the use of lead paint.

The latest concerns came as Li Changjiang, head of China’s safety watchdog, claimed the product safety scares were “a new trend of trade protectionism”, and accused some governments of “demonising China’s products”.

Hiscomments reflected Beijing’s anxiety over growing fears of Chinese exports in the US and Europe, but they were dismissed by Peter Mandelson, the European Union trade commissioner.

“The allegation that European companies’ action against toxic Chinese goods is politically motivated and shows bias against China is totally false,” said Mr Mandelson on Monday. “As trade commissioner, I will not accept claims of toxicity being used as a pretext for protectionism.’’

Economists say the safety scandals have so far had limited impact on exports, in part as toys accounted for less than 1 per cent of overall exports last year, while foodstuffs made up 1.4 per cent.

Textiles and clothing made up more than 13 per cent of exports in the first half of the year.

“The textile sector is a much more important part of China’s exports so this will be more of a cause for concern for the authorities,” said Mark Williams, an economist at Capital Economics in London. “However, these cases are still a drop in the ocean in terms of China’s overall trade.”

rumoret

I think this China Export problem is just the tip of the iceberg!

Terry

LiveForToday

It almost appears that someone has hired China as a hit man on all of the US!! We are slowly being exposed to all kinds of toxins by China. Is this just a coincidence????

rumoret

It will be interesting to hear what China comes out and states in the press. Christmas is coming up and I think we should just not buy anything made in China. I wouldn't be surprised if China doesn't come out and threaten a move from dollars to the Euro should they feel the STING from consumers here in America. Also......China is spending a lot of money for the up and coming Olympics in 2008.....this does not look good for them! China uses a lot of Prisoners in their production of goods.....they could careless about their health......so why should they care about any American.

rumoret

http://www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=31912

Another toy recall for China!

Terry

Jaybird627

I have to say I amd VERY dismayed at all of this! Just this past week while looking at clother at Kohl's for Avery I noticed how most of them were made in China - even Carter's brand (not just the 'off' brands)!

As I wrote on another thread, I always check to see where what I'm buying is from and again this week I saw "PRC" and had to think for a second where that was. I've always steered clear from plates and dog bowls and such due to lead in the paint but now clothing?

I've received many gifts for Avery and most are from China. What is a mother to do???

Jaybird