Every November, the promise of 'unmissable deals' takes over shop windows and online banners. From new electronics to fast fashion, Black Friday has become a global symbol of overconsumption, encouraging us to buy more and faster, often things we do not really need.
Yet behind these irresistible discounts, there is another hidden cost: toxic chemicals that may be, and usually are, present in everyday products we bring into our homes. Waterproof jackets treated with so-called forever chemicals, plastic bottles that release harmful plasticisers, children’s toys and pacifiers containing substances that can disrupt hormones or affect development. Such products are not exceptions. They represent a wider problem where the pressure for low prices and mass production often overrides the protection of human health and the environment.
Our work for safer products
For more than two decades, Arnika has been revealing the hidden chemistry behind consumer goods and pushing for safer production and stronger chemical regulation. Our testing of everyday items has shown that many products, including those for children, still contain chemicals such as PFAS, phthalates, bisphenols and other hazardous substances.
Among our findings:
- Children’s jackets on the Czech market contain “forever chemicals” (PFAS)
- Toxic chemicals found in underwear – women among the most exposed groups
- Plastic bottles for children contain harmful plasticisers
- Dangerous chemicals detected in children’s pacifiers
- Toys under the Christmas tree may contain toxic substances
These results confirm that harmful substances are still common in the products we use every day. Through research, advocacy and collaboration with international partners, we continue to raise awareness and promote the transition to safer materials and cleaner production across Europe.
Choosing smarter, cleaner alternatives
Buying less and buying smarter is one of the simplest ways to reduce both environmental impact and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Whenever possible, look for quality over quantity, check for product certifications and support companies that are transparent about their chemical policies.
Black Friday can also be an opportunity to rethink our habits. Do we really need another 'must-have' item, or could we repair, borrow or buy second-hand instead? True sustainability is not only about how much we buy. It is also about how carefully we choose what we bring into our homes, our bodies and our environment.
The project LIFE ChemBee (No. LIFE21/GIE/DE/101074245) is funded by the LIFE Programme of the European Union.Views and opinions expressed are however those of the project LIFE ChemBee only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the LIFE Programme. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
