It is one of the funniest times of the year for children, but before the Carnival celebrations, the Federation of Independent Consumer Users (FUCI) warns that many of the costumes that are going to be bought can be potentially dangerous.
Specifically, 28% do not comply with safety guarantees, contain toxic elements, lack holes to prevent suffocation or are flammable. Therefore, we must remember the safety advice for costumes and demand these items the same quality as any other toy or garment.
And in this sense, after analyzing about a hundred costumes and accessories (wigs, masks ...) for carnival in specialty stores, toy stores, department stores and stores "All to 100", this high percentage of costumes that violate the normative. We would have liked to know if there are differences in the type of establishment.
The FUCI appeals to consumers so that before buying a costume, wig, mask or makeup they consider a series of recommendations to avoid "unnecessary dislikes":
The costumes for children are considered as a toy so they must meet the safety requirements set by the regulations and include in their label the CE mark, the recommended age, the warnings in its use and the identification data of the manufacturer of the product .
Before buying an item we must observe that it does not contain small pieces that can be detached and ingested by a minor, that does not contain sharp points or edges, that the masks have adequate ventilation and that the costumes lack strings and / or cords in the neck area.
Costumes, wigs and masks must be made of non-flammable or low-combustible materials. To avoid burns in costumes (let's not forget that many of them burn easily) it is convenient stay away from heat sources: stoves, lighters, cigars, firecrackers, fireworks, etc.
In costumes for adults, labeling should be like that of normal clothing and in Spanish. Read the labels, instructions for use and product characteristics carefully.
If we buy cosmetics, we must ensure that the label indicates, at least, the name of the product, that of the person in charge (or manufacturer or importer, including its address), the minimum expiration date, the lot number and the components. To avoid possible allergic reactions with makeup, it is recommended to previously consult the expiration date and ingredients.
In case we are going to make our own costume, FUCI recommends imagination, ingenuity and recycling as a fun and economical option, not forgetting to maintain caution in the materials we use.
If we decide to buy costumes and products for Carnival, we have to demand and keep the invoice, since it is the proof of guarantee to be able to claim.
Also, not only you have to pay close attention to the safety of toys, also the pocket is at stake: in the analysis have been observed important price differences since the cost of costumes ranges between 8 and 80 euros in the case of children and between 15 and 120 for adults.
