Nitrosamines are substances that can be found in latex and rubber. Cumulative exposure to nitrosamines can be dangerous as they are carcinogenic. A lot of balloons contain nitrosamines, while this is avoidable. Already in 2006, the Dutch Minister of Public Health determined in a policy rule that balloons containing nitrosamines should be considered dangerous.
Meanwhile also the European Commission (EC) has concurred with the consideration of the Dutch Minister. In the new Safety of Toys Directive (2009/48) the EC adopted a specific rule. The EC based this rule on an advice from the Sientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP). The European rule is more broadly defined than the Dutch policy rule of 2006. The Dutch policy rule is therefore adjusted accordingly. As of 2013 the European rule is effective in Europe.
In practice: the amount of nitrosamines in balloons may not be too high. Furthermore, all balloon packages on the Dutch market should include a proper, clearly readable and prominent warning text:
WARNING! FOR SAFETY REASONS DO NOT TAKE INTO THE MOUTH AND SOLELY INFLATE WITH A BALLOONPUMP (in Dutch: Waarschuwing! Om veiligheidsredenen niet in de mond nemen en uitsluitend opblazen met een ballonnenpomp)
Please note (especially with the World Cup festivities ahead): balloons are more dangerous than you think!
Eva den Ouden
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office Emerald House Jozef Israëlskade 48-G Amsterdam, the Netherlands t +31 (0)20 - 305 3066 www.hoogenhaak.nl |
post PO Box 76780 1070 KB Amsterdam e info@hoogenhaak.nl f +31 (0)20 - 305 3069 chamber of commerce 34314579 |
Nitrosamines are substances that can be found in latex and rubber. Cumulative exposure to nitrosamines can be dangerous as they are carcinogenic. A lot of balloons contain nitrosamines, while this is avoidable. Already in 2006, the Dutch Minister of Public Health determined in a policy rule that balloons containing nitrosamines should be considered dangerous.
Meanwhile also the European Commission (EC) has concurred with the consideration of the Dutch Minister. In the new Safety of Toys Directive (2009/48) the EC adopted a specific rule. The EC based this rule on an advice from the Sientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP). The European rule is more broadly defined than the Dutch policy rule of 2006. The Dutch policy rule is therefore adjusted accordingly. As of 2013 the European rule is effective in Europe.
In practice: the amount of nitrosamines in balloons may not be too high. Furthermore, all balloon packages on the Dutch market should include a proper, clearly readable and prominent warning text:
WARNING! FOR SAFETY REASONS DO NOT TAKE INTO THE MOUTH AND SOLELY INFLATE WITH A BALLOONPUMP (in Dutch: Waarschuwing! Om veiligheidsredenen niet in de mond nemen en uitsluitend opblazen met een ballonnenpomp)
Please note (especially with the World Cup festivities ahead): balloons are more dangerous than you think!
Eva den Ouden