Many student homework exercise notebooks sold in Beijing were found to contain chemicals that can lead to cancer in large amounts, a newspaper reported.

Beijing-based Legal Evening News bought six common brands in the local market and found five contained fluorescent agents, which are bleaching chemicals that can be carcinogenic. The report didn't disclose the brands.

But most parents interviewed were more concerned about the paper being white, smooth and even on the ends, and within their budget, than whether it was environmentally friendly, the paper said.

Few were interested in the one brand that was tested as safe because it was considered ugly, yellow and expensive.

"Its price is twice as much as that of an ordinary one. Sellers told me it is environmentally friendly, but who could see it?" a parent asked.

A seller said the safe brand costs him more so he charges more. "I don't know about fluorescent agents," he said.

The findings are not unusual, said Gong Yan, deputy professor with Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, who did the tests. "Manufacturers now use more recycled paper in their production. In order to improve the look of paper and cut costs, they eliminate the brightening process but just add fluorescent agents," he said.

Dong Jinshi, deputy general secretary with Beijing Society for Environmental Sciences, said the chemical substances accumulate in human bodies, reducing immunity and, in large amounts, triggering cancer. Lengthy exposure can pose risks to children's sight and skin, he added.

China still lacks national regulations on the content of fluorescent agents in students' exercise books, Dong said.

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