Recommendations for compliance with standards in selecting stationery products

As the new academic year approaches in schools, students and parents' shopping for school uniforms and stationery items such as backpacks, pencils, pencil cases, erasers, water bottles, lunch boxes and notebooks has accelerated.

While the eye-catching stationery products in the display cases with their colorful and scented colors attract children's attention, the poor quality, unbranded and unhealthy "under the counter" products containing harmful chemicals worry families.

Experts were asked about the risks involved in unlicensed stationery products and what to consider when choosing safe stationery.

Be careful with erasers and plastic products that contain harmful chemicals to provide flexibility.

Üsküdar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Health and Safety , Associate Professor Dr. Müge Ensari Özay stated that the chemicals used in stationery products must be safe.

Özay, drawing attention to the carcinogenic and toxic effects of products manufactured illegally using harmful chemicals such as azo dyes, phthalates, toluene and xylene to make them cheap, flexible, have brighter colors and smell nice, said that children should not be exposed to these products, which are harmful to their health.

Özay noted that heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium, as well as azo dyes, can have carcinogenic effects, while phthalates used to add flexibility to erasers and plastics can cause various hormonal irregularities in children and negatively affect the development of reproductive organs.

"Fragrances can be allergenic for some children"

Özay offered advice on product selection, saying, "Avoid heavily scented ones. They often contain solvents. Fragrances can be allergenic for some children. Avoid overly colorful, overly scented, or overly flexible erasers. We generally recommend choosing more well-known brands. These brands are generally trustworthy, and the labels often carry the CE mark or TS EN71 approval, indicating compliance with the standard. These are important to consider."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özay explained that CE-marked products manufactured in accordance with European Union standards do not contain harmful chemicals, while products bearing the TS EN71 mark do not contain heavy metals and are suitable for children's health in terms of their physical and chemical properties.

Özay, noting that children spend a large portion of their day at school and are exposed to stationery for extended periods, said, "Pay particular attention to the plastic coatings on erasers, pencils, and notebooks. Children can put them in their mouths. For example, some people put pencils in their mouths. Pencils often have erasers. They should definitely not put them in their mouths; parents can warn their children. Children under the age of 3 should also never be given stationery with small parts. This can pose a risk of swallowing or choking . I recommend that they always check the label to ensure it complies with CE or TS EN71 standards when purchasing."

Short and long-term effects of harmful substances in stationery products on children's health

Health Sciences University (SBU) Gülhane Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Toker Ergüder stated that illegally produced stationery products can pose a serious threat to children's health, as they are often produced with uncontrolled materials and may contain harmful chemicals.

Addressing harmful substances that can be found in stationery products, Ergüder shared, "Heavy metals like lead and cadmium can be found in colored pencils and paints. These metals can negatively impact children's brain development. Phthalates found in plastic products can disrupt children's hormonal balance. Chemicals like acetone and toluene used in crayons and glue can have harmful effects on children's nervous systems ."

Prof. Dr. Ergüder noted the following regarding the short- and long-term effects of these chemicals on children's health:

Paint and adhesive odors can cause problems like coughing and nasal congestion in children. Contact with chemicals can cause redness, itching, or a burning sensation in the eyes. Children can sometimes ingest these products, which can lead to poisoning. Heavy metals like lead, if left in the body for long periods, can cause children to experience learning and attention problems. Chemicals found in plastic products can negatively affect children's growth and development. Long-term exposure to substances like formaldehyde can increase the risk of cancer .

"Choose products made of wood, bamboo or natural materials"

Ergüder stated that when shopping for stationery, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients of the products and avoid chemicals that could harm children, and offered the following suggestions for choosing healthy and safe stationery products:

Examine product labels carefully. The manufacturer's name, address, ingredients, and warnings should be clearly stated. Avoid products that contain heavy metals or harmful chemicals. Many brands produce non-toxic and organic stationery specifically for children. For products like crayons, erasers, and glue, be sure to choose those labeled "organic" or "natural ingredients." Products with the CE mark, TSE certificate, and EN 71 standard will be safer for your children. Avoid unfamiliar brands and products produced illegally. If something has a suspicious odor or color, be careful not to use the product.

If possible, choose stationery made from wood, bamboo, or other natural materials. Some stationery, especially when newly opened, can emit chemical odors. These odors can negatively impact your child's health. If possible, choose products made from recycled materials or environmentally friendly products. These products are healthier not only for your children but also for the environment.