Foam play mats, available in a delightful array of colours, allow toddlers to crawl, sit and play on them freely, exploring the environment without worry of getting hurt even if they stumble and fall. However, when parents purchase play mats, aside from choosing the colours and patterns they like, they must also pay attention to the possible emission of harmful chemical substances and the structural safety. The Consumer Council tested 20 models of children's foam play mats. In the torque and tension tests, the foam materials of 6 models were damaged with components coming off as small parts, thus failing to meet the European standard and increasing the risk of accidental swallowing and suffocation in young children. In addition, a reproductive toxic substance, formamide, was detected in 75% of the models, among which 6 models were detected with levels that exceeded the upper limit of the relevant EU directive, while the model with the highest content even exceeded the limit by 9 times. Parents should pay extra attention when shopping. The Council has submitted the test results of the relevant models to the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) for follow-up.
The Council purchased 20 models of foam play mats from stationery stores, household goods stores, baby product shops, toy retailers, department stores and online platforms, including 11 puzzle mats, 6 roll mats, and 3 foldable mats, priced from around $12 to $1,199. According to the labels on the models, the foam materials of 6 were ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), 10 were polyethylene (PE), 1 was polyethylene and ethylene-vinyl acetate, 2 were only labelled as foam materials, and 1 model had no indication of its material.
6 Models Had Small Parts Falling Off in the Tension Test
Play mats are generally suitable for young children under the age of 3, so there should not be any small parts to avoid the risk of suffocation caused by accidental swallowing. With reference to the EU Toy Safety standard EN 71-1, the Council conducted torque and tension tests by simulating reasonably foreseeable abuse, after which 6 models, including 5 puzzle mats and 1 roll mat, had components coming off forming small parts. The results did not meet the European standard. Out of these models, 2 were already damaged with small parts coming off under relatively low tension. Apart from choosing carefully, parents should also regularly clean and check the condition of the play mats to avoid accidents.
6 Models Detected with Formamide Content Exceeding EU Standards;
Model with the Highest Content Exceeded Limit by 9 Times
When children play, crawl or roll on a play mat, not only would their skin come into contact with the mat, but they may also breathe close to the mat or eat on it. As such, if the play mat material contains harmful substances, it may pose health risks. Among them, formamide is classified as a reproductive toxic substance by the European Chemicals Agency, and it can enter the human body through the respiratory tract and skin. In accordance with the relevant EU directive on toy foamed plastics, the Council tested the formamide content of the play mat models. Except for 1 model, which was not applicable for testing because its foam part was covered with other materials, 15 models were found to contain different levels of formamide, of which 6 models (290mg/kg to 2,000mg/kg) had exceeded the upper limit of 200mg/kg as stipulated in the relevant European directive. Out of these models, the 9 coloured foam materials of 1 number puzzle play mat model contained 1,400mg/kg to 2,000mg/kg of formamide, which exceeded the upper limit by as much as 9 times.
In the process of manufacturing various foam materials, formamide may be used as an adjuvant foaming agent. There is scientific evidence from animal testing that prolonged exposure may pose harm to the unborn fetus. Formamide is also moderately irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Currently, apart from the EU's restrictions on formamide content, Shenzhen and Taiwan also limit the formamide content of children's plastic play mats or children's puzzle plastic play mats to no more than 200mg/kg. In contrast, Hong Kong has no relevant requirements. The Council recommends the Government to refer to the above regulations and introduce restrictions on the formamide content in children's play mats.
3 Models Detected with Pollutant PAHs
Another type of harmful chemical of concern is polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are impurities commonly found in plastics, rubbers and lubricating oils, and may also be additives or solvents in raw materials. PAHs mainly have adverse effects on the human respiratory tract and skin, and many of them have been identified as confirmed or potential carcinogens. Referring to the standards set out by the German Product Safety Commission, the Council tested the content of 15 PAHs in each model. 2 models were found to contain naphthalene, the content of which was lower than the limit set by Germany. Anthracene and fluoranthene were detected in another model, and the total amount was also lower than the relevant limit of Germany.
Pay Attention to the Differences in Types and Materials When Purchasing and Maintaining Play Mats
Play mats could become dirty when children eat or play on them, or even bite them. Parents should properly clean the surface of the mat to maintain hygiene. However, the Council found that as half of the models did not include cleaning instructions, consumers might choose the wrong type of detergent, causing discolouration or damage to the products. Therefore, manufacturers should improve in providing clear instructions on the cleaning method. Besides, as there is a wide variety of children's foam play mats on the market, and their maintenance methods and precautions may differ, parents could refer to the Council’s recommendations before purchase:
- Although puzzle play mats are easy to store, small components at the joints may break off easily and be swallowed by children. As the joints between the mats are also more prone to collecting hair or dust, the mats should be taken apart and cleaned regularly;
- As the edges of roll mats could curl easily, it is recommended that suitable adhesive tape or anti-slip glue be used to affix the mat for safety reasons. Some mats are reversible and have wrapped edging with fewer gaps, making them easier to clean;
- Foldable mats generally have many long folds. Take extra caution to prevent children's fingers from getting caught between the folds;
- Before a play mat is used for the first time, it should be cleaned with a damp cloth and wiped with a dry cloth, then placed in a ventilated space to air dry. If an odour is detected, the mat should be put in a ventilated place until the odour dissipates before letting children use it;
- Clean the play mats regularly as recommended by the manufacturer, paying attention to whether they can be disinfected or wiped with rubbing alcohol or diluted bleach, in order to avoid damaging the surface of the mats. Generally speaking, foam play mats could be wiped with a damp cloth, and should not be soaked or washed in water, as mould may form if the mat does not dry thoroughly;
- Avoid exposure to high temperature or sunlight as they could accelerate the ageing or discolouration of the mat;
- Children should wash their hands after each play to avoid ingestion or exposure to stains or chemicals.
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