Cancer fears over huge levels of carcinogen in loom band charms

They have the adoration of kids and the blessings of parents but now loom bands — the quiet, creative toy craze — are at the centre of a cancer scare.

Tests have found certain brands of the toy contain massive amounts of a suspected carcinogenic chemical called phthalates, that can be absorbed into the body through sweat and saliva.

The UK Assay Office, which specifically tested the charms sold with the bands, won’t name the brands involved because their laboratory did the work under commercial contracts with the manufacturers, prompting calls for retailers here to provide assurances about the products they stock.

Laura Haugh of parenting website, MummyPages.ie, which sought the results of the tests, said it was warning its followers to remove any charms from their children’s loom band sets until they could be confirmed as safe.

“We’ve been in contact with a number of stockists since we discovered this problem and we’re waiting for their responses. There is the original brand and then a lot of copycats, so we don’t know what’s been tested or what they’ve been tested for, and that’s a big concern.”

The UK Assay Office said the majority of loom band charms it analysed at the request of manufacturers failed safety tests.

“The limit of phthalates allowed is 0.1% by weight [of the item tested] and we received a few charms last week that contained over 50% by weight of phthalates in them.”

Phthalates, which have been linked to cancer and hormone disruption, are in common use in small quantities in plastic products as they make the material more flexible.

Loom bands — small flexible plastic bands that can be woven into bracelets, necklaces and novelty items — are a worldwide hit and have become hugely popular in Ireland in the past year. “Parents like them because they improve creative ability and dexterity and they take children away from screens and digital devices,” said Ms Haugh.

“We have seen some problems with them — the bands snapping and hitting children in the eye or bands being left on in bed and cutting the blood supply off to fingers.

“But these things are about parental supervision and common sense. But when it comes to chemicals, we need clarification from the right authorities and, unfortunately, we don’t have that yet.”

The National Consumer Agency said no queries about loom bands had been received on its public helpline, and no official concerns had been raised.