Survey and risk assessment of chemical substances in spectacle frames The objective of this project was to investigate the materials and potentially harmful substances that might be found in plastic spectacle frames, which can lead to allergic reactions like swelling and eczema. Through chemical analyses and risk assessments, the study also aimed to determine whether specific substances in plastic spectacle frames, across various price points, could pose a risk to children or adult users. The project identified several concerning substances present in and migrating from the frames.
The risk assessment revealed that two of the frames released significant amounts of o-acetyltriethylcitrate, likely acting as a plasticiser. This substance could potentially pose a risk for the development of allergies. The project also highlighted the difficulty in obtaining information about the presence of harmful substances in plastic spectacle frames.
Survey and risk assessment of chemical substances in spectacle frames
Survey of chemical substances in consumer products No. 201, March 2025