The volume of e-commerce transactions has increased exponentially in recent years and should eclipse $5 trillion by 2027. Marketers love the E-designation because, in the minds of many consumers, this prefix implies the product or service is convenient and safe. E-cigarette is a good example. It’s a fact that foreign e-commerce goods often contain high levels of lead, asbestos, and other hazardous materials.
When these hazardous materials cause injury, the end user is most likely responsible for the damages. Assume Pete’s Auto Parts buys asbestos-laced brake pads from China and sells them to Sarah, who later develops mesothelioma, an often fatal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Sarah will most likely turn to Pete’s Auto Parts for compensation. In many jurisdictions, Pete’s Auto Parts could try to shift blame to the Chinese company that sold the product, but such a legal action would be almost impossible logistically.
Therefore, e-commerce retailers should be keenly aware of products that might contain lead, arsenic, asbestos, or another hazardous substance. They should avoid these products, which are especially hazardous to children, at all costs. Fortunately, certified hazardous substance-free items are usually available. These items are usually more expensive. But the slight added purchase cost is much lower than a potential liability judgment.
Risky Items
When it comes to exposure to dangerous chemicals or substances, auto parts may be one of the most high-risk items. Auto parts such as brake pads or linings can contain high levels of asbestos to heat-proof them. They also often contain high levels of lead, because lead is such a malleable metal. Other high-risk items include any “heat-proof” or “fireproof” component as well as vintage toys, china, and other items.
Parts for older vehicles and after-market items often contain asbestos. Back in the day, brake pads, hood liners, and other auto parts designed to withstand extreme heat were almost pure asbestos. The issue is not limited to old vehicles. In 2012, an Australian company recalled 23,000 vehicles after inspectors found asbestos in engine gaskets and the exhaust system.
Speaking of asbestos, beware of any manufactured part that claims to be heat-proof or fireproof. Asbestos is one of the only fireproof and heatproof substances in the world. Most e-commerce items don’t have ingredient lists, and even if they do, these lists probably omit hazardous substances.
So, the e-commerce buyer doesn’t know for sure that the component contains asbestos. However, in many states, constructive knowledge (should have known) is sufficient to establish liability. Willful blindness is not a defense.
Vintage toys, plates, and other items often contain lead-based paint. Lead is still technically legal to use in the United States. So, vintage items from any corner of the world could have lead paint and therefore be hazardous, especially to children.
Risky Places to Watch
E-commerce buyers should be especially wary of products from India, China, and Africa. The recalled Australian cars mentioned above were from China. Less than a fourth of South Asian, East Asian, and Pacific Rim countries have lead control laws. If they do have such laws, they often only limit exposure.
Many people buy decorative items from Africa. These items are often truly stunning and culturally significant. However, the percentage of African nations with lead control laws is even smaller (11 percent). So, buyer beware!
Asbestos is also legal to use in China. In fact, China and Russia are the world’s largest suppliers of asbestos. Note that many products, such as motor vehicles, are assembled in one country, like the United States, and contain parts from the four corners of the world, including India, Russia, China, and Africa.
What You Can Do
A vote cast by a dollar bill is stronger than a vote cast at a ballot box. When consumers refuse to buy items laced with hazardous substances, e-commerce sellers very quickly get the message.
To truly protect people from hazardous substances, e-commerce buyers should go the extra mile. Broadcast the harmful nature of the product on social media. Be careful to only make factual statements that you know to be true. Poor Google reviews, which are supported by evidence, are almost as damaging as lost sales.
Some compassion is usually appropriate as well. When you leave comments, explain the danger to the seller. The seller must know that governments didn’t ban asbestos, lead, and other substances for political reasons. Valid health and safety reasons support these bans.
In an online era where convenience often trumps caution, there’s no denying that not all e-commerce purchases are safe. From asbestos-laced auto parts to lead-contaminated vintage items, hazardous substances still make their way into online marketplaces, especially from countries with limited regulatory oversight. While retailers carry much of the liability, consumers bear the personal health risks—and in some cases, legal consequences—of unknowingly purchasing dangerous products.
So, how can you protect yourself? Start by researching the origin of any product that claims to be heat-resistant, fireproof, or vintage. When in doubt, opt for items that are certified safe and free from harmful substances, even if they cost more. Avoid goods from regions with weak safety regulations unless the seller provides credible verification of safety standards. And don’t underestimate your power as a consumer: your purchasing choices, reviews, and word-of-mouth influence can drive meaningful change in the marketplace.
Before you click “Buy Now,” take a moment to verify the safety of what you’re buying. Protecting your health—and the health of those around you—begins with informed decisions. The more we demand transparency and accountability, the safer the digital marketplace becomes for everyone.
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