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.