Online retailers like Debenhams and eBay have been found selling party balloons that contain harmful levels of cancer-causing chemicals. Tests conducted by consumer group Which? revealed that some balloons being sold by third-party sellers on these platforms exceeded the permitted chemical limits by up to six times. The risk arises when individuals come into contact with the balloons by touching them, blowing them up, or inhaling their scent.
Which? purchased 21 packs of latex balloons from various online marketplaces and subjected them to British standard tests to determine the presence of carcinogenic chemicals. Out of the 21 packs, eight were found to contain concentrations of potentially carcinogenic chemicals well above the legal limit in the UK, indicating illegal sale.
One balloon bought from AliExpress, a rapidly expanding platform in the UK, contained over six times the permissible level of nitrosamines, a probable carcinogen. Additionally, balloons from eBay and The Range, also sold at Wilko, had more than four times the safe nitrosamine levels. Another balloon from Debenhams had more than double the legal amount of nitrosatable substances, which can transform into nitrosamines upon contact with saliva.
In a concerning incident, Trevor and Lucille Mathers purchased balloons from Amazon’s Marketplace in March 2024 for their child’s birthday, only to receive a notification a year later warning about the balloons’ cancer-causing potential. The balloons were found to contain at least 25 times the legal limit of potentially carcinogenic substances. This revelation left the Mathers family distressed, knowing their children had been exposed to such risks unknowingly.
Children, in particular, face higher vulnerability as their bodies are still developing and may struggle to metabolize these harmful chemicals efficiently. Natalie Hitchins, a parent who works at Which?, shared her alarming experience after purchasing balloons from Shein for her son’s birthday. The balloons emitted a strong chemical odor, causing symptoms like numbness in the lips, dizziness, and a chemical taste in the mouth. Subsequent tests confirmed that the balloons contained more than double the legal limit of nitrosamines.
Sue Davies, the head of consumer protection policy at Which?, condemned the sale of balloons with high levels of carcinogens, emphasizing the need for stringent safety checks to ensure compliance with regulations. Which? advises consumers to look for balloons with a CE/UKCA mark as a basic safety measure, although cautioning that counterfeit marks exist. The organization also recommends using a pump to inflate balloons to avoid mouth contact and suggests adults inflate balloons for children under eight years old.
Despite the alarming findings, all companies involved in the tests expressed their commitment to customer safety. AliExpress, Debenhams, eBay, and Shein swiftly responded by removing the identified products from their platforms upon notification, highlighting their adherence to safety regulations and policies.
Moreover, Wilko, after independent testing in June 2025, declared the safety of the balloons in question but opted to recall them from stores and websites as a precautionary measure pending further verification. This proactive approach underscores the companies’ dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of their customers.