A recent investigation by the Hong Kong Consumer Council (CC) has uncovered significant safety concerns regarding desk mats commonly sold across the city, revealing that nearly half of the tested products contain levels of phthalate plasticizers far surpassing European Union (EU) safety standards. The CC tested 15 samples of desk mats, which are typically used for writing, cutting, or crafts, and found seven samples—approximately 47%—contained specific phthalates above the regulatory threshold, prompting an urgent cautionary advisory against using these items as placemats.
The comprehensive study, published in the CC’s monthly magazine Choice (Issue 578), involved procuring samples from diverse retail channels, including bookstores, stationery shops, department stores, and online platforms. The products sampled included cutting mats, writing pads, general desk protectors, and art mats. Testing focused on the plasticized materials and printing inks, specifically checking for the concentration of four restricted phthalates: DEHP, DBP, DIBP, and BBP.
High Phthalate Concentrations Pose Elevated Health Risks
The findings indicated that eight of the surveyed desk mats contained DIBP, DEHP, and/or DBP. Critically, seven samples registered total phthalate concentrations exceeding the 0.1% limit set by the EU’s REACH Regulation (Annex XVII, entry 51).
Alarmingly, one specific sample brand, Qivation, recorded the highest total concentration at 22.2%, representing an astounding 222-fold violation of the EU standard for articles that have prolonged contact with skin or mucous membranes. Data concerning the non-compliant items, which included five cutting mats, one writing pad, and one general mat, has been forwarded to the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department for further scrutiny and necessary action.
Phthalates, particularly the four specific compounds identified in the test (DEHP, DBP, BBP, and DIBP), are classified by the European Chemicals Agency as Category 1B reproductive toxicants. This classification signifies that the substances are presumed to have adverse effects on human reproductive health or fetal development. Furthermore, chronic and extensive exposure to airborne phthalates, which can be released from the mats and adhere to household dust, has been linked to an increased risk of developing asthma. Animal studies also suggest these plasticizers can disrupt the endocrine system and potentially impair male fertility later in life.
Avoiding Exposure: The Danger of Treating Desk Mats as Placemats
While simple skin contact with intact desk mats generally poses a low risk of absorption, the CC strongly warned consumers against practices that elevate chemical exposure. The common yet inappropriate use of a desk mat as a dining placemat dramatically increases the risk of oral ingestion of phthalates, as hands—and potentially food—come into contact with the contaminated surface during meals.
The CC highlighted four scenarios that increase the risk of problematic phthalate intake:
- Oral Ingestion: Using the desk mat as a placemat encourages hand-to-mouth transfer of chemicals while eating.
- Wounds: Phthalates may be absorbed more readily through broken skin or open wounds.
- Oil-Based Products: Applying oil-soluble products, such as sunscreens or moisturizers, can enhance the permeation of phthalates through the skin.
- Inhalation: Long-term exposure to these plasticizers attached to house dust can increase respiratory risks, potentially leading to asthma.
Calls for Greater Transparency and Consumer Vigilance
The investigation also underscored a lack of transparency in product labelling. Six samples failed to clearly indicate their material composition on the product, packaging, or online listings, while five samples omitted details regarding their place of origin. The CC urged manufacturers and agents to provide clear, sufficient information to allow consumers to make informed choices.
In light of these findings, consumers are advised to strictly adhere to the intended use of desk mats—for stationery and creative purposes only—and never substitute them for food-grade kitchen or dining mats.
Practical Takeaways for Consumers:
- Check Labelling: Ensure the product clearly specifies its material composition and intended use.
- Designated Use Only: Never use general desk mats, writing pads, or cutting mats as dining mats.
- Maintain Airflow: Use products in well-ventilated areas to minimize the inhalation of volatile organic compounds and dust-borne chemical particles.
- Proper Cleaning: Follow manufacturer cleaning instructions to reduce surface chemical accumulation.
The CC’s testing serves as a vital reminder that consumer goods, even seemingly innocuous stationery, may harbor potential health hazards, emphasizing the need for robust regulatory oversight and careful purchasing decisions.