Aug 20, 2007, 10:07 GMT
Wellington - New Zealand's Consumer Affairs Ministry launched an investigation Monday into reports that researchers had found dangerous levels of toxins in children's clothing imported from China.
Details of the research are to be reported Tuesday by the consumer-affairs programme Target on the TV3 channel, revealing levels of formaldehyde in imported Chinese clothes hundreds of times higher than World Health Organization recommended limits.
Formaldehyde, which is used to give clothing a permanent-press effect, can cause health problems including skin and eye irritation and heightened asthma symptoms. The US Environmental Protection Agency has classified it as a probable human carcinogen.
Consumer Affairs Ministry general manager Liz MacPherson told reporters that an investigation will be carried out into the programme's findings and samples analysed.
Meanwhile, she said that all new clothing, particularly garments claimed to be anti-wrinkle or permanent pressed, should be washed and aired before being worn for the first time.
It was also reported Monday that the Commerce Commission is investigating a brand of Chinese-made flannelette pyjamas sold in a New Zealand chain store, after two young boys suffered burns when they caught fire. The garments were labelled 'low fire danger.'
The investigations follow a worldwide recall of Chinese-made toys for the Mattel company because they contained excessive lead levels in their paint, and the Excel brand of toothpaste, found to contain a toxic substance used in antifreeze and solvents.
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