Desk mat may put health at risk as watchdog finds plasticizers in half of brands it tested

Daily items such as desk mat might put your health at risk, the consumer watchdog has warned after finding plasticizers in over half of the brands it tested, including one with 222 times the EU limit.

The Consumer Council on Monday said that from the 15 samples of desk mat models it had tested, plasticizer levels in seven exceeded the 0.1 percent concentration limit stipulated in the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation of the European Union.

According to information by the European Chemicals Agency, the 4 phthalate
plasticizers detected in the test are classified as reproductive toxicity category 1B substances, which may adversely affect fertility or development.

The watchdog said the model exceeding the limit the most was a writing mat “Wellness Q Series SILVER ION AND TiO2 Desk Mat” produced by Qivation. It was priced at HK$198.

It said under normal circumstances, it is not likely for plasticizers in desk mats to be absorbed by the human body through the skin.

“However, if there are wounds on the skin, or if sunscreen or oilsoluble moisturizing products have been applied, it would increase the possibility of plasticizer absorption through the skin. 

“Consumers should be cautious about arbitrarily using desk mats as placemats, as it may cause oral ingestion of plasticizers through contact of the hands with the mat surface and subsequently with food during meals,” said the Council, reminding consumers to check
the products’ intended use before making purchases.