Trading Standards has issued a warning about nasal tanning sprays and the potential health problems they could cause people who have used them. It comes after a BBC North West investigationspoke to a woman who said she was left "unable to breathe" after suffering a reaction to an unlicensed spray she bought online. The enforcement agency said the products could "cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, and even changes in mole shape and size". The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) also believe that flavoured varieties of the sprays, which are being promoted and sold on social media platforms, could be targeting children. Richard Knight lead officer for Cosmetics and Beauty at the CTSI said: "Unlike cosmetic products, nasal tanning sprays are unlikely to have had expert safety assessments and use of relevant health warnings and instructions for safe use are rare." The body is now urging the public to avoid any tanning products that are inhaled or ingested, to use tanning creams and sprays bought from reputable retailers and report any unsafe products to Trading Standards. Earlier this year reporters from the BBC managed to easily purchase sprays from beauty salons and tanning shops in Manchester and on Merseyside and a gym in Newcastle. Nasal tanners are designed to be sprayed into the nostrils and are claimed to work by delivering a substance known as Melanotan II, a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation. It is illegal to sell medicinal products containing Melanotan II in the UK, but as the tanners are sold cosmetically, they fall outside that remit. But they are not covered by UK cosmetics regulations, meaning they are not subjected to the same scrutiny as other over-the-counter beauty products. Edith Eagle, from King's Lynn in Norfolk, bought tanners online believing they would give her an enhanced tan ahead of a planned holiday to Fuerteventura in April 2023. She told the BBC she did not realise the product was unlicensed and unregulated. On the second day of her holiday, she was rushed to hospital after her apparent allergic reaction worsened. She said she felt like she was "suffocating inside" and "drowning" within her own body. She said she was glad a warning had been issued and wanted to see "a zero tolerance approach to them". Edith said her 16-year-old daughter was "a complete tan addict" and had also used the nasal tanning spray after seeing them advertised online but would "never touch them now" after seeing what happened to her. "Health is so much more important than being so tanned for some Instagram pics," she said. Mr Knight said the nasal tanners were a "wild west-type product" and they were a "ticking time bomb" and something people could regret putting into their body at a later date. "The people selling them literally have no clue what's in them, often they don't have a proper ingredients list" he said. He said enforcing a ban on the products would be difficult because they were not classed as cosmetic products so the producer does not have to prove to trading standards that they are safe. "It needs to become a national issue. We need to gather more evidence as a profession and to do that we need more intelligence, we need more complaints," he said. He urged consumers in England and Wales to report any suspicious cosmetic products or if they had experienced any adverse reactions after using a product to Trading Standards Long term health impacts are not yet known, but cancer charities are concerned using the sprays could cause skin cancer like melanoma. Susanna Daniels, from cancer charity Melanoma Focus, said she was " becoming increasingly concerned about the use of both nasal tanning sprays and tanning injections and their potential links with melanoma skin cancer". She added: "These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviours, particularly among young consumers. The BBC bought 10 sprays from online and the high-street including beauty salons and sunbed stores, and the chemical Melanotan II was found in varying strengths in six of those tested. Gary Lipman, chairman of the Sunbed Association said: "Nasal tanning sprays have absolutely no place in a professional tanning salon." Read more stories fromCheshire,Lancashire,Greater ManchesterandMerseysideon the BBC, watchBBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayerand followBBC North West on X.
Warning over 'unlicensed' nasal tanning sprays
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Trading Standards Issues Warning on Health Risks of Unlicensed Nasal Tanning Sprays"
Bbc News
8.7
TruthLens AI Summary
Trading Standards has raised concerns regarding the health risks associated with unlicensed nasal tanning sprays, particularly following a BBC investigation that highlighted the dangers these products pose. One woman, Edith Eagle, reported severe respiratory issues after using an unregulated spray purchased online, which left her feeling as if she were 'suffocating inside.' The agency warns that such sprays can lead to serious side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and changes in moles, and they are particularly alarming as they may be marketed towards children through social media. Richard Knight, a representative from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), emphasized that these nasal sprays lack the necessary safety assessments typical for cosmetic products, raising concerns about their safety and the absence of proper health warnings. He urged the public to avoid inhaled tanning products and stick to reputable tanning creams and sprays instead.
Furthermore, the article discusses the legality and regulatory challenges surrounding these nasal tanners, which contain Melanotan II—a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation. While the sale of medicinal products containing Melanotan II is prohibited in the UK, these nasal sprays are marketed as cosmetic products, thus escaping stringent regulations. Reports indicate that these products can be easily purchased from beauty salons and online, creating a 'wild west-type' market. Knight warns that the long-term health implications are still unknown, but there are rising concerns about their potential link to skin cancers, particularly melanoma. Cancer charity representatives have voiced their worries about the unregulated nature of these products, which not only pose health risks but also promote harmful behaviors among young users. Consumers are encouraged to report any adverse reactions or suspicious products to Trading Standards to help combat this growing issue.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article raises serious concerns regarding the safety of unlicensed nasal tanning sprays, highlighting the potential health risks associated with their use. This warning from Trading Standards follows alarming reports of adverse reactions from consumers, particularly a case where a woman experienced breathing difficulties after using an unregulated product. The piece aims to inform the public about the dangers of these products while also calling attention to the broader issue of consumer safety in the cosmetics market.
Public Health Concerns
The warning issued by Trading Standards emphasizes the significant health risks these nasal tanning sprays may pose, including nausea, vomiting, and changes in mole characteristics. By detailing these potential dangers, the article seeks to foster a sense of urgency and caution among consumers, particularly those who might be tempted to purchase these products impulsively or without proper research.
Targeting Vulnerable Groups
The article suggests that flavored varieties of the sprays may be marketed towards children, thereby raising ethical concerns about targeting young audiences with potentially harmful products. This aspect of the article aims to provoke a response from parents and guardians, urging them to be vigilant regarding the products their children might encounter or be influenced to use.
Regulatory Gaps
The discussion around Melanotan II and the legal loopholes that allow these products to be sold as cosmetics rather than medicinal items highlights a significant regulatory issue. The article points out that these nasal tanning sprays fall outside conventional safety assessments, which could lead to public outcry for stricter regulations on cosmetic products. This could potentially lead to legislative changes aimed at tightening the oversight of cosmetic items.
Consumer Awareness and Responsibility
By advising the public to avoid inhaled or ingested tanning products and to report unsafe goods, the article encourages personal responsibility and vigilance among consumers. This call to action serves not only to protect individual health but also to empower the public to take an active role in ensuring the safety of products available in the market.
Market Implications
The warning against unregulated tanning sprays may impact the beauty industry, particularly brands that sell legitimate tanning products. Reputable companies may see an increase in demand as consumers seek safer alternatives. Additionally, this warning could deter investment in companies associated with unlicensed products, potentially affecting stock performance in the beauty sector.
Potential for Manipulation
While the article primarily serves to inform and protect the public, it could also be viewed as a means to influence consumer behavior towards licensed and regulated products. The language used does not overtly target specific brands but emphasizes the risks associated with unlicensed products. This careful wording may prevent backlash against legitimate businesses while guiding consumers towards safer choices.
The article's reliability is bolstered by the backing of credible organizations like Trading Standards and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. However, the emotional weight of personal testimonies could lead to heightened anxiety among readers, necessitating a balanced interpretation of the information presented.
In conclusion, this article serves multiple purposes: it raises awareness about consumer safety, calls for regulatory action, and promotes responsible consumer behavior. The potential implications for the market and public health are significant, suggesting a need for ongoing dialogue surrounding cosmetic safety regulations.