Some Poker Cards Found to Contain Dangerous Levels of Chemical

Gambling is often a large part of how many people celebrate the Chinese New Year. However, Taiwanese officials have a warning for those who might choose to play poker during the festivities: the cards you play with might be hazardous to your health.

A recent study found that about 17% of all poker cards on the market in Taipei contained unhealthy amounts of the chemical formaldehyde. The research, done by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), found that five out of 30 brands of poker cards that were tested failed to meet government standards for the chemical.

According to Taiwanese law, paper products may contain up to 75 parts per million (ppm) of formaldehyde. However, a few of the tested cards contained levels far beyond that threshold. In the most egregious example, one card contained 612 ppm, a level considered very unsafe.

According to BSMI officials, individuals who inhale or touch high levels of formaldehyde can suffer adverse effects, including skin allergies. In addition, the World Health Organization considers the chemical to be carcinogenic, and believes it is one of the leading causes of preventable cancer-related deaths.

The manufacturers of the offending poker cards have been asked to recall their decks. Companies that refuse to do so immediately will be fined.

According to a report on asiaone.com, an official with the BSMI recommends that consumers purchase only cards with clear labels and avoid any that seem to have a chemical odor. Players should also wash their hands after playing poker or other card games, and keep the cards out of reach from young children. It was unclear as to whether or not the BSMI planned to release the names of the companies with playing cards that exceeded their safety standards, or whether this problem was local or one that should be of concern to poker players around the world.