Online stores like Debenhams and eBay have been found selling party balloons that contain higher-than-allowed levels of cancer-causing chemicals. Tests conducted by consumer group Which? revealed that some balloons being sold by third-party sellers on these platforms had up to six times the permitted limit of harmful chemicals. The risk arises from direct contact with the balloons when inflating them or inhaling their scent.
Which? purchased 21 packs of latex balloons from seven online marketplaces and subjected them to British standard tests to measure the presence of carcinogenic chemicals. Out of the 21 packs, eight were discovered to have concentrations of potentially carcinogenic substances exceeding the UK’s legal limit, indicating illegal sale.
Specifically, one balloon from AliExpress, a China-based platform gaining popularity in the UK, contained over six times the permissible level of nitrosamines, a probable carcinogen. Balloons from eBay and The Range, also sold at Wilko, had more than four times the safe amount of nitrosamines. Additionally, a balloon purchased from Debenhams exceeded the legal threshold for nitrosatable substances, which can transform into nitrosamines upon contact with saliva.
For instance, Trevor and Lucille Mathers bought balloons from Amazon’s Marketplace in March 2024 for their child’s birthday, only to receive a warning a year later that the balloons contained at least 25 times the legal limit of potentially carcinogenic substances. Amazon, upon notification, promptly removed the balloons from sale. The presence of these harmful chemicals in balloons poses a greater risk to children due to their still-developing bodies’ limited ability to metabolize the chemicals effectively.
Natalie Hitchins, a consumer at Which?, encountered a similar issue when buying balloons from Shein for her son’s birthday. The balloons emitted a strong chemical odor, causing discomfort upon inflation. Testing confirmed that the balloons contained more than double the allowed level of nitrosamines. Sue Davies, head of consumer protection policy at Which?, emphasized the need for strict compliance with safety standards to avoid exposing children to high levels of carcinogens.
Which? recommends purchasing balloons with a CE/UKCA mark to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Despite the potential for counterfeit marks, proper usage indicates adherence to required standards. The public is advised to use a pump for inflating balloons to minimize mouth contact and, for children under eight years old, adults should handle the inflation process.
The companies involved in the tests expressed their commitment to customer safety. AliExpress, Debenhams, eBay, and Shein all took immediate action upon learning of the findings, removing the flagged products from sale. Wilko, while initially testing the balloons for safety in June 2025, decided to recall the products from their stores and website as a precautionary measure pending further verification.
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