China launches probe after herbicide chemical found in major diaper brands

Chinese authorities have launched a joint investigation after allegations emerged that harmful chemicals were detected in diapers sold by well-known brands in the country.

China's State Administration for Market Regulation has formed a joint task force with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Health Commission and the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration to investigate what officials described as the "formamide problem in infant diapers," according to China Central Television and Reuters on Monday.

The allegations were first raised by Economic Information Daily, an outlet affiliated with the state-run Xinhua News Agency. The newspaper said it commissioned a professional testing institution to examine infant diapers on the market and found formamide in products from some well-known brands. The investigation also found the same substance in the blood and urine of some infants and young children.

Economic Information Daily also reported that one of its reporters wore the diapers overnight and underwent a blood test afterward, finding that the concentration of formamide in their blood had risen significantly compared to before wearing them.

Formamide is a chemical used as a raw material in pharmaceuticals, herbicides and paper softeners. It can be absorbed into the body through the skin and is classified as a reproductive toxin that can damage the liver and kidneys with repeated exposure. Experts have raised particular concern that infants and young children, whose organs are not yet fully developed, may be more vulnerable to toxic substances than adults.

The brands named in the allegations have all said their own testing found no trace of the substance in their products.

China currently has no national standard setting a limit on formamide content in diaper products. Authorities said they would "verify the formamide problem in infant diapers raised by the media and handle it in accordance with laws and regulations," adding that "relevant developments will be disclosed in a timely manner."

한때는 100만원이었다…“10만원으로 대폭락” 너무 심했던 국민 황제주의 반전

https://biz.heraldcorp.com/article/10783028