Brits warned against using 'dangerous' nasal sprays amid cancer fears
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute said the sprays can cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure and even changes in mole shape and size. Alarmingly, studies hint at a connection between these sprays and melanoma
Trading Standards has issued a warning over dangerous, unregulated nasal tanning sprays linked to melanoma that have become rife on social media.
These hazardous sprays may trigger nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure and disturbing changes in moles, says the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). The controversial nasal tanners are marketed as delivering Melanotan 2 through the nostrils to darken the skin, although selling medicinal products with this substance is outlawed in the UK.
Even though they are illegal to sell as medicinal products due to their Melanotan 2 content, these tanning aids dodge UK laws by being sold for cosmetic use instead. Alarmingly, these products bypass the stringent controls mandatory for other beauty items under UK cosmetics regulations. Without a clear picture of the long-term health ramifications, studies hint at a connection between these sprays and melanoma, cautions CTSI.
Not only that, using these nasal sprays might aggravate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms from coughs to blocked noses, and could evolve into chronic lung problems upon regular use. Adding to the issue, CTSI has highlighted the rise of tempting flavoured variants – including peach, bubblegum, grape, strawberry, and lime – peddled by "unscrupulous" vendors on Facebook and TikTok, showcasing imagery that might appeal to youngsters.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has issued a stark warning about the dangers of nasal tanning sprays, which are becoming increasingly popular due to influencer promotion and easy online availability. The British Beauty Council predicts that by 2027, the self-tan market could be worth a staggering £746.3 million.
Edith Eagle recounted her harrowing experience to the CTSI after an unlicensed nasal tanning spray landed her in hospital, gasping for air. She described her ordeal, saying: "I can't even explain it, but I was suffocating inside. It was as if I was drowning within my own body."
The CTSI is strongly advising against the use of any ingestible or inhalable tanning products, recommending safer alternatives like creams and sprays from trusted retailers. Richard Knight, the CTSI's lead officer for cosmetics and beauty, highlighted the risks associated with these unregulated products: "Edith's story is a sobering one, and an example of what can happen when putting unregulated products into our bodies."
He further cautioned that nasal tanning sprays often lack professional safety assessments and proper health warnings, making their true risks unknown: "Unlike cosmetic products, nasal tanning sprays are unlikely to have had expert safety assessment, and use of relevant health warnings and instructions for safe use are rare."
Knight also pointed out the potential misinformation spread by influencers: "This means that no-one, including influencers, can truly know the risks of using these quasi-medical potions."
Susanna Daniels, boss of Melanoma Focus, issued a stark warning, saying: "We're becoming increasingly concerned about the use of both nasal tanning sprays and tanning injections and their potential links with melanoma skin cancer. These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviours, particularly among young consumers. We urge the public to consider the long-term impacts on their health and avoid using these substances altogether."
Sunbed Association chief Gary Lipman was unequivocal in his view: "Nasal sprays have absolutely no place in a professional tanning salon. We fully support CTSI's campaign to heighten awareness of the dangers of using them. The end goal must be to eradicate access to these illegal and unregulated products."
Should you spot any dubious cosmetic product or suffer an adverse reaction, you can swiftly report it to Trading Standards through the free Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. For those in Scotland, Consumer Advice Scotland is available on 0808 164 6000, while Northern Ireland residents can reach out to Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.
A recent survey has spotlighted unsafe cosmetic products as the biggest emerging threat to UK consumers, according to Trading Standards officers. In its fight against hazardous cosmetics, CTSI has rolled out the latest '#CostofBeauty' campaign, drawing attention to safety concerns related to three key products: nail glue, 'professional use' lash lift and tint kits, and the notorious nasal tanning sprays.
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