Authorities in Seoul have discovered that women's accessories sold by popular online shopping platforms, including Shein, Temu, and AliExpress, contain toxic substances far exceeding acceptable levels. In a recent inspection, Seoul officials tested 144 products from these companies and found that several items violated legal safety standards.

For example, shoes from Shein were found to contain phthalates, chemicals used to make plastics more flexible, at levels 229 times above the legal limit. These chemicals can affect reproductive functions and are classified as human carcinogens, raising serious health concerns. Additionally, Shein's caps contained formaldehyde at double the allowable threshold, and their nail polish had dioxane and methanol concentrations exceeding safe limits.

Sandals from Temu were found to have lead in the insoles at levels more than 11 times the permissible limit. While Shein responded to the findings by stating that they work with third-party testing agencies to ensure product safety, Temu did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Seoul authorities have requested that the unsafe products be removed from sale and emphasized the need for continued safety testing and public disclosure of the results. The European Union has also recently added Shein to its list of digital firms subject to stricter safety regulations, underscoring growing international scrutiny of these rapidly expanding online platforms.