Hand made wristbands contain toxic substances

Russia wears a hand made elastic bracelet that she donated on her birthday, only about an hour later, she has a rash that rashes all over her wrist.

19-year-old Bich Nga, a student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities, said the ring is a type made from elastic band which is popularly sold at jewelry stores for teenagers."As soon as I was itchy, I removed the ring immediately, and yet my skin continued to rash, I bought topical anti-allergy medicine but still left a scar , " Russia said.

Some girls have an itchy rash when wearing a hand made elastic ring.(Photo: Thi Tran)

Dieu Linh, 17, from Dong Nai, also had a similar allergy situation after wearing a 7-color hand made elastic bracelet. This girl bought a souvenir at the souvenir shop for 30,000 VND: "About 2 hours after wearing, I have a burning sensation in the skin around the ring, thinking due to the tight ring so I do not remove it. wearing a hot loop and rash, I have to remove it ".

Handmade bracelets made of spandex, rich in style and color, have different names such as: fishtail, rainbow loom, loom band charms. Recently, a jewelry store in the UK boycotted and recalled all these products because they found they contained toxic phthalates . Phthalate was banned by the European Union a few years ago. Up to now, this kind of material is reused in some products made from PVC (synthetic resin), especially cheap plastic jewelry, wristband and neck strap popular all over the world.

In Vietnam, all kinds of elastic rings are popularly sold in cheap jewelry stores in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai and Binh Duong and on online sales sites. This product line is favored by many young people due to its low price, nice design, rich colors.

According to Dr. Tran Thien Tai, Clinical Allergy - Clinical Immunology, Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, some studies show that phthalate ingredients in plastic and elastic products are more or less related. Asthma wheezing and allergies, especially in children. It can also cause cancer, endocrine disorders .

Phthalate is a plasticizer that enhances the plasticity, durability and transparency for items such as plastic, rubber, spandex, packaging, bags, boxes, bottles, bracelets, children's toys . Under normal conditions, phthalates are easily discharged into the environment, easily destroyed by heat and light. People may be exposed to it directly or indirectly, especially if frequent exposure through the gastrointestinal tract, air or directly on the skin can affect health.

Doctor Thien Tai recommends that the best way to avoid the risk of phthalates exposure is to not use products containing this substance."Consumers need to thoroughly understand information about product ingredients as well as safety certification from manufacturers and censorship agencies , " the doctor said.

Elastic wristband bracelets containing toxic chemicals are boycotted in the UK.(Photo: Express)

According to Dr. Tai, the material that makes these elastic bands is rubber. Under normal conditions, rubber is one of the most common allergens, especially for people with allergic conditions. Natural rubber is more allergenic than synthetic. The rate of allergy to rubber in the population is about 5-10%. Therefore, people who are allergic to rubber are advised not to use utensils made from this material such as gloves, boots, children's toys, condoms, balloons, clothing or materials. elasticity .

The main reason is that the proteins in rubber are capable of causing allergic reactions to the body like rHev b1, rHev b3, rHev b5, rHev b6.01, rHev b6.02 . Moreover, the protein is high Su can cross-react with some proteins in some fruits. Therefore, people who are allergic to rubber can cross-react with bananas, pears, kiwi fruit, tomatoes, potatoes, chestnuts, lettuce, aromatic, papaya .

Allergic reactions to rubber include two types: rapid reaction and late reaction. Common manifestations are urticaria, angioedema, allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and even life-threatening anaphylaxis. Symptoms can be observed and felt such as urticaria, rash, blisters in the exposed area, may be accompanied by skin itching, eye irritation, wheezing, difficulty breathing .

Thien Tai advised people who suspect allergies to rubber to go to a hospital with an allergy specialist to perform skin tests or to determine serum IgE specificity. From that point on, it is clear whether the cause of the allergy is due to rubber.

Treatment in this case is mainly prevented from contact with rubber and specific allergenic plastic product lines. Patients need to thoroughly understand the composition of materials before use, should not use products made of rubber but look for alternative materials. For treatment, your doctor may give you anti-allergy, corticosteroids and some other medications.

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