KEY POINTS:
The Government has launched an urgent investigation after children's clothes imported from China were found to pose a health risk.
Scientists from TV3's Target consumer watchdog programme uncovered dangerous levels of formaldehyde in woollen and cotton clothes, with some tests showing levels up to 900 times the level
that causes harm.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs general manager Liz MacPherson said today the department had launched an investigation to see what the nature and the size of the problem was.
"We're taking it very seriously," she told Radio New Zealand
"We're taking some urgent action to investigate it, which will involve undertaking some sample testing of products from across the market."
Currently there were no specific regulations with respect to formaldehyde in clothing, Ms MacPherson said.
However, New Zealand law required all products on the market to be safe. It also relied on other country's safety standards, as most manufacturers who sold to New Zealand were also selling elsewhere, she said.
"As a small country we are then able to rely on our ability to react quickly when we get this sort of news and put in place specific safety standards or bans when those issues are raised," she said.
International research shows exposure to formaldehyde in concentrations of 20 parts per million (ppm) can cause symptoms including skin irritations, respiratory problems and cancer.
Consumers are advised to wash and dry all new clothes before they are worn.
Formaldehyde is used to give a permanent press effect to clothes.
Consumer Affairs Minister Judith Tizard said today importers needed to ensure that the goods they imported were meeting the safe standard.
She said that if necessary she would call in the Chinese ambassador to discuss the problem with her.
Yesterday a warning was issued after two boys were burned when their flannelette pyjamas caught fire.
"Children should always stay a metre from the heater," said The Warehouse corporate affairs manager, Cynthia Church.
She said the pyjamas were two-piece sets labelled "Made in China" and "Low Fire Danger".
Seam labelling said they were cotton. She understood both boys were burned last month.
The Commerce Commission was having the pyjama brand tested.
Earlier this month 100,000 Mattel toys made in China were recalled in New Zealand because of hazards from powerful magnets and lead paint. They were some of 22 million toys recalled globally.
The toy recall followed recalls of toxic pet food, seafood and toothpaste, which were also made in China.
- NZPA
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