The Ministry, with the aim of protecting children, has the product samples brought from all over Turkey examined at the authorized Ekoteks Laboratory in Istanbul and shares the results with the consumer through the “Unsafe Product Information System”. The Ministry of Commerce, which imposes sanctions on products and companies that are not suitable for use, is determined to prevent any move that may endanger the health of children.
Regarding the investigations, Ekoteks Laboratory Chairman of the Board Nilgün Özdemir stated that the Ministry and the General Directorate of Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance, affiliated to the Ministry, work very meticulously for the protection of the consumer, and that the samples taken from all over Turkey, just before the opening of the schools, are the only one of the Ministry. He explained that it was forwarded to them as an authorized laboratory.
“We’re looking at carcinogens and volatile compounds”
Stating that they examined the products both chemically and physically, Özdemir said:
“If we find it inappropriate, we report it to our Ministry. On the chemical side, we look at carcinogens and volatile components. What are carcinogens? Volatile components such as azo, phthalate formaldehyde, as well as allergens are looked at. On the physical side, we look at things that will cause physical harm to the child. We look at the physical, chemical and also the packaging of the product.It is necessary to pay attention to the packaging and labeling of the product.
“We do not recommend those without CE certificate”
We do not recommend those who do not have a CE certificate on them. The product must have a CE certificate, and the age group must have it. It is absolutely necessary to specify whether it is a 0-3 age range or a 3-7 age range. Therefore, apart from the physicality of the product, we also pay attention to the writings on the packaging. What can be found in the products? It is a carcinogenic substance, which we call azo dyestuff, and belongs to the child’s own use. It is a harmful chemical with a carcinogenic effect, which is taken directly from the clothes he wears, the bag he uses, the pencil, the eraser, the colorants. Phthalates are also a substance used to soften a product, especially plastic. All of these have a certain limit. If we detect that they are used above the limit, these can be automatically removed from our devices, this is harmful to both the child and the environment.”
“In addition to its carcinogenic effect in children and adults, phthalate can also settle and harm the reproductive organ”
Nilgün Özdemir drew attention to the effects of the phthalate substance and said that in addition to its carcinogenic effect in children and adults, it can also settle and damage the reproductive organ.
Emphasizing that they look at it sensitively because it is a very dangerous chemical, Özdemir continued as follows:
“At the same time, we look at volatile components. Fragrances are particularly attractive to children, especially in erasers and the materials they use. Here we look at the effects of these. When we look physically, the ornate parts attached to the ends of the pencils can easily come into the mouth of children, we look at the measurements of whether they go to the pharynx. If it shows, it means it is inappropriate for us.We can usually see a negativity or inappropriateness on the labels.
Products that do not have a CE certificate, so to speak, are unsuitable products that need attention. Because when there is a CE certificate, those standards must be looked at. Apart from that, attention should also be paid to the age range. The name of the place where he bought it must be specified, which is very important for the possibility of tracking. He should follow up and know exactly where he got it from.”
Özdemir, who warned the consumers about this issue, said that the Ministry’s goal of paying attention to all these is to protect children, and that’s why it is treated very sensitively.
“Stationery materials should not be bought from places we call no-name or under the stairs”
Stating that these inspections give a message to parents as well as to protect children, Özdemir said, “Stationery is bought from stationery stores. Stationery materials should not be purchased from places we call no-name or under the stairs. We should not buy products that are not fixed with a CE certificate that they comply with a standard.” used the phrases.
Expressing that the Ministry of Commerce shares the results of the inspections with the consumer in a very transparent manner, Özdemir said that all information such as where it was obtained, what the result was and why the product was unsafe is the “Insecure Product Information System” that can be accessed at the address “www.guvensizurun.ticaret.gov.tr”. reported through.
“The control of tinsel bags must be done”
Özdemir, Chairman of the Board of Ekoteks Laboratory, made the following assessments regarding the products most vulnerable to abuse:
“Once, tinsel bags should be checked. Because when there is pressure on them, it triggers phthalates and the child puts the apple and water bowl in it. Water containers, food containers, bags are the things that children use the most… Pencils, erasers, that is, the child’s actually all “Sometimes, our parents find it economical, they buy cheap, but it can be dangerous for children. Our parents need to pay special attention to the CE certificate.”