9 Conclusion in short

Analysis of chemical substances in balloons

It was established that several of the 20 different types of balloons purchased at retailers did not comply with the requirements to labelling. Some of the examples had a CE-label, although the requirements to the labelling according to EN 71 ”Safety of Toys” was not complied with.

Three different balloon types in the colours yellow, red, or orange, which were analysed for release of heavy metals according to EN 71-3, did not liberate measurable amounts to the contact liquid at a detection limit which was ten times lower than the requirement values.

Analyses for content of nitrosamines and nitrosatable chemical substances according to EN 12868 showed that none of the balloon samples were complying with the requirement to limit values for soothers and bottle teats.

However, the four analysed balloons complied with the German regulations (”Bewertung von Nitrosaminen in Luftballons” , Ergänzende Stellungsnahme des BfR vom 26. März) of 0.2 mg/kg for nitrosamines.

The limit value for nitrosatable substances is 2 mg /kg.

Only one of the analysed balloon types complied with the limit value for nitrosatable substances. All others did not meet the requirements.

The balloon type which complied with both requirements was according to the packaging certified by TÜV.

The chapter ”Summary and Conclusion” documents the analysis results in more detail.