Üsküdar University Occupational Health and Safety Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay made statements about what families should pay attention to regarding the chemical and physical risks that stationery products, bags, and water bottles can pose to child health during school shopping.
Phthalates can negatively affect children's development and endocrine system!
Evaluating the news that many stationery products could be risky for child health with the opening of schools, Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay said, “Not every stationery product is dangerous. But the risk depends on what material the product is made from, the concentration of these substances, how the child uses the product, and the duration of exposure.”
Stating that there are three main exposure routes for children concerning stationery products, Assoc. Prof. Özay said, “Exposure can occur through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion orally. Especially in children under 3 years old, there can be exposure such as putting products like pens, erasers, and paints into their mouths or chewing them. When we look at the chemicals here, ‘phthalates’ create a serious risk. Substances used to soften plastics like PVC, for example, to make erasers flexible, are generally phthalates. These also have negative effects on the reproductive system, endocrine system, and developmental system. The use of these substances must be limited in both stationery products and toys.”
Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium can be found in some stationery products!
Pointing out that heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium can also be found in some stationery products, Assoc. Prof. Özay said, “They can be in the dyes of the products or within them. They can transfer to the child through contact during the child's use.”
Stating that there are limitations in the legislation on this issue, Assoc. Prof. Özay said:
“Solvents used as thinners can be found in adhesives, paints, and as volatile organic compounds. These can cause irritations and allergic reactions, especially in the respiratory tract, eyes, and mouth. Although they should not be used, formaldehyde and some preservatives can also be used in stationery products. For example, formaldehyde is 100% carcinogenic, but it can be used in small amounts in adhesives and inks.”
Product labels must be checked before purchase!
Assoc. Prof. Özay warned families not to purchase products without checking their labels, stating, “The Ministry of Trade has an ‘Unsafe Product Information System’. Parents can select a product group via ‘guvensizurun.ticaret.gov.tr’, perform detailed searches, and access a list of products reported to be harmful.”
Stating that product labels can also be checked, Assoc. Prof. Özay said, “The label must contain information about the manufacturer or importer company. If the importer company, manufacturer's address, brand, or model is not present, those products should not be preferred. Additionally, it can be checked whether there is a ‘CE’ mark and a ‘TS EN’ certificate mark. The ‘CE’ mark and the ‘TS EN 71’ standard are not mandatory for stationery products but are mandatory for toys. Some stationery products also fall into the toy category. If the product label has a ‘CE’ mark or a ‘TS EN 71’ mark, we can say it is relatively safer. Furthermore, products with strong odors or unpleasant smells can be avoided. This might indicate the presence of volatile chemical substances. Age group suitability must definitely be checked. Because the usage behavior of children under 3 years old is different from that of a 10-11-year-old child. Children under 3 years old may want to put the product in their mouths, taste it, or swallow it; this risk increases even more if it smells like sugar.”
Product safety should be the priority when shopping!
Pointing out that shopping with young children can be challenging, Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay said, “If asked whether price, brand, or product safety should be prioritized, I would say safety first.”
Stating that the product's suitability for its purpose and its quality should also be evaluated, Assoc. Prof. Özay said, “The product's usage terms, conditions, or harms should be examined. Brand and manufacturer reliability are also important. Of course, more reliable, well-known brands should be preferred. Price is the last category. One should not think that ‘the most expensive product is the safest product’.”
Instead of expressions like 'chemical-free, toxin-free' on products, certificates should be checked!
Emphasizing that one of the biggest problems with online shopping is the physical unavailability of the product for viewing, Assoc. Prof. Özay continued:
“Product images and descriptions should be carefully examined. Who is the seller? Is the seller's commercial identity clear? Who is the manufacturer/importer company? Is the manufacturer/importer company information available on the product page? Because companies disclose this to protect their brand and reliability. If not, then it means it is not reliable. Sometimes vague marketing phrases like ‘chemical-free, toxin-free, completely healthy’ can be used about a product. These expressions have no meaning. The presence of such a phrase on the label does not indicate that the product is as such. Instead, its certificates should be checked.”
Bags should not be carried on one shoulder!
Pointing out that wrong choices can also lead to some negative consequences on child anatomy besides chemical risks, Assoc. Prof. Özay said, “Especially when a backpack is carried too heavily, it can cause serious discomfort in children's spine and lower back.”
Noting that bags should not be carried on one shoulder but on both, Assoc. Prof. Özay said, “Instead of backpacks carried on the back, wheeled bags that children can pull with a light force can also be preferred. During study, ensuring that the chair has back support, that the feet are in contact with the ground, and that legs are not crossed are also important points to consider to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. If a student will spend time in front of a screen for homework or games; the screen should be 50 cm away. The screen should be neither too high nor too low. This can cause neck problems. When writing and reading, the child should be made to sit without bending, meaning with a straight spine and head, and this habit should be instilled in the child from a young age.”
Hot foods can facilitate the dissolution of chemicals!
Emphasizing that great care must also be taken in water bottle selection, Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay said, “Because we put liquid inside. If the material used contains phthalates or heavy metals, they can dissolve. Especially when we put a hot liquid, it can facilitate the dissolution of the material inside the water bottle.”
Reiterating that phthalates should definitely not be used in plastic, Assoc. Prof. Özay concluded, “The product's certificates must definitely be checked. More reliable brands should be preferred, and it should also be checked through the Ministry of Trade's unsafe product information system.”
