BALLPOINT PENS. The purchase of several ballpoint pens is not recommended by the UFC-Que Choisir association, which publishes a survey, this Thursday, August 25, 2022, highlighting the dangers of certain products. What are they ? The list.
[Mise à jour le 25 août 2022 à 9h03] As the start of the school year is fast approaching, it’s time to buy supplies for the children. If this year 2022 will be more than ever marked by the search for good deals and savings so as not to see the bill is too high when it comes to checkout, the eyes of parents must also turn to a study of the UFC-Que Choisir, published this Thursday, August 25, 2022, which warns of the dangers of certain essential products for students. With the head of the gondola, the ballpoint pen. The organization assures that the components of this flagship element of the class kits are not without danger on children since carcinogenic substances have been detected. Which pens are affected? What was discovered? How to avoid buying a dangerous product for his offspring? Lighting.
Which ballpoint pens are dangerous?
UFC-Que Choisir evaluated the composition of 36 writing-related products, those being “the most present on the shelves.” This includes ballpoint pens and rollerballs, ink cartridges, highlighters, markers and colored pencils. But it is especially concerning the first range of school supplies that the consumer association wants to be worried. It indicates in fact “substances classified as probable carcinogens” were detected in the inks of certain ballpoint pens tested. It’s about :
- Bic ‘Crystal original’ black
- Paper Mate ‘Inkjoy’ blue
- Black eco pack purchased from B&M
Furthermore, it is noted that the presence of allergens, such as isothiazolinones (causing eczema), is “particularly high” on certain products on the shelves, in particular ink cartridges for certain ball-point pens: the Pilot ‘Kleer’ black erasable ballpoint pen and Pilot ‘Frixion medium’ rollerball pen in blue. The Stabilo Boss ‘Original Fluo’ is also affected.
The dangers of ballpoint pens not displayed
This is not the first time that UFC-Que Choisir has warned of the dangers of ballpoint pens. Already in 2016, a study by this same association had already pointed to the presence of harmful components in certain school supplies. However, since then, there has been no development. And the organization calls on parents to be vigilant as best they can because transparency on the elements constituting the product is not mandatory. “School supplies are not covered by any specific regulations and are not required, for example, to mention the presence of allergenic substances. Worse, the manufacturer can choose whether or not to affix pictograms warning of the dangers induced by substances present”, underlines the UFC-Que Choisir.