Latest news with #RichardKnight
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Public warned to avoid ‘dangerous' nasal tanning sprays going viral on TikTok
The sprays can cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure and even changes in mole shape and size, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said. Nasal tanning sprays are designed to be sprayed into the nostrils and claim to work by administering a substance known as Melanotan 2, a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation. 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 Richard Knight, CTSI It is illegal to sell medicinal products containing Melanotan 2 in Ireland and the UK, but as the tanners are sold cosmetically they fall outside that remit. The HSE and the HPRA have previously issued warnings over use of the so- called 'barbie drug'. 'The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) reminds the public that the unregulated substance Melanotan 2 is not safe for use and may cause serious, long-term damage to your health. "Often described as a self-tanning aid, the product is also referred to as Melanotan, Melanotan II or MT2. It is commonly sold as an injectable powder or in the form of drops and nasal sprays. 'The HPRA is also concerned that products containing Melanotan 2 are increasingly being targeted towards young people by using bright colours, flavours, and branding. The HPRA will take action against individuals using social media and e-commerce to advertise and supply Melanotan 2 containing products, including the removal of content and accounts, and prosecution activity when there is significant risk to public health,' the HPRA said in a previous statement on the risks of the chemical. While the long-term health impacts of using the sprays were not yet known, studies had shown a potential link to melanoma, a type of skin cancer, the CTSI warned. Inhaling sprays can irritate the respiratory tract, with potential symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and nasal congestion, and repeated exposure can lead to chronic respiratory issues. The CTSI also flagged an emerging trend for flavoured nasal tanning sprays, drops and gummies, with 'unscrupulous' sellers on Facebook and TikTok posting pictures of the products available in child-friendly flavours such as peach, bubblegum, grape, strawberry and lime. The CTSI said it feared they could become the latest 'must have' products 'leading to a youth epidemic as we saw with disposable vapes'. Nasal tanning sprays are growing in popularity thanks to their promotion by influencers and the products being widely available online. One woman, Edith Eagle, told the CTSI that she was in hospital 'unable to breathe' after suffering a severe reaction to an unlicensed nasal tanning spray she bought online. When explaining her symptoms, Ms Eagle said: 'I can't even explain it, but I was suffocating inside. It was as if I was drowning within my own body.' The CTSI has urged the public to avoid any type of tanning products that are ingested or inhaled and instead use safer options such as creams and sprays bought from reputable retailers. Richard Knight, CTSI lead officer for cosmetics and beauty, said: 'Edith's story is a sobering one, and an example of what can happen when putting unregulated products into our bodies. '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. 'This means that no-one, including influencers, can truly know the risks of using these quasi-medical potions.' Susanna Daniels, chief executive of Melanoma Focus, said: '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 chairman Gary Lipman said: '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.'
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nasal tanning sprays linked to skin cancer, trading standards officers warn
Nasal tanning sprays linked to cancer and respiratory problems and other unsafe cosmetic products pose one of the biggest threats to consumers, trading standards officers have warned. Demand for these 'dangerous and unregulated' tan-enhancing sprays, which is being driven by influencers on social media, could mirror the rapid rise of youth vaping, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said. The sprays contain substances such as melanotan 2 – a synthetic hormone not approved for use in the UK – which can cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, kidney problems, and an increased risk of melanoma skin cancer. The sprays are designed to be applied to the nostrils, where they deliver melanotan 2 directly into the body. This chemical stimulates the production of melanin, which darkens the skin, and while it can supposedly work without UV exposure, its effects are enhanced when used alongside sun exposure or tanning sun beds. Trading standards officers also raised concerns over the rise of flavoured nasal tanning sprays, which include peach, bubble gum and lime, which may make them more attractive to young people. The self-tan market was valued at £582.2m and is projected to grow to £746.3m by 2027, according to THG Labs' Sunless Tanning Trend Report, raising concerns that nasal tanning sprays could capitalise on this booming demand, despite the health risks. Videos on social media show tanned users promoting the products. The CTSI said many of these 'unscrupulous sellers' are also marketing tanning drops and tanning gummies, designed to be ingested. Richard Knight, the lead officer for cosmetics and beauty at CTSI, urged consumers to question the claims made by influencers online, warning that many may not fully understand the risks themselves. He said: '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. This means that no one, including influencers, can truly know the risks of using these quasi-medical potions.' Although it is illegal to sell medicinal products containing melanotan 2 in the UK, the tanners are marketed as cosmetics, meaning they fall outside the regulatory remit. The products, which often have no ingredients list, are usually sold for about £20 each, with 'extreme flavoured nasals' marketed at £30 each and cheaper alternatives for as little as £25 for two. Users have reported severe allergic reactions to the products, and there have been cases of hospitalisation. Edith Eagle, from King's Lynn in Norfolk, was admitted to hospital after she suffered a serious reaction to a nasal tanning spray she bought online. She bought the product hoping that they would give her a quick and easy sun-kissed look ahead of her holiday in April 2023, but told the BBC she felt as if she was 'suffocating' and 'drowning inside her own body'. Knight said Eagle's story should be a cautionary tale of 'what can happen when putting unregulated products into our bodies'. Susanna Daniels, the chief executive of Melanoma Focus, said: '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.' The CTSI advised consumers to opt for safer self-tanning options, like lotions or sprays applied to the skin, which are regulated under the UK Cosmetics Regulation and come with clear user guidelines. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
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.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Could Bolton really host the Ryder Cup?
It's one of international sports truly elite events. Held every two years, the Ryder Cup golf competition between European and United States teams becomes the primary focus of the sporting world with tens of thousands attending and millions more watching on television across the globe. In 2035, when the tournament is next expected to be played England, it could very well be held on currently undeveloped parkland on the outskirts of Bolton. Hulton Park, near Westhoughton, is at the centre of Bolton's bid, put together by developers Peel Land and supported by Bolton Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Peel Land has existing permission for the £240m project to build a Ryder Cup golf complex and more than 1,000 new homes on mainly green belt land at the park. The developer claims if the project is successful it will have £1.6bn of impact on the region, create an international venue hosting local events and bring hundreds of jobs. Their bold assertions say the project will mean heritage restoration and new public access to the park along with updated road infrastructure. During a planning process dating back around seven years, there has been sustained and vociferous opposition to any development of the Hulton park estate from many nearby residents. Planning was originally rejected by Bolton council, with permission for the plans only being granted for the project after two planning inspectorate inquiries. But the whole development is dependent on one key decision – the awarding of the 2035 Ryder Cup to Bolton. Without that, no significant development can take place and the whole project falls. So are we likely to see golf's elite players in Bolton in 10 years time? A recent planning meeting extended Peel's planning permission at the site, which was due to expire in October. During discussions, a detailed update on the bidding process emerged. Richard Knight, on behalf of Peel, said that a decision on the venue is not expected 'until next year at the very earliest'. He said: 'There have been cuts in government spending, a change in government, changes in the game of golf globally. 'We have as a result of these delays already missed the 2031 Ryder Cup event and our efforts are now focussed on 2035. 'We remain short-listed by UK Sport and Ryder Cup Europe and an update received this week from UK Sport officials confirms that the selection process in now moving forward again. 'Three sites were short-listed across the country, one of them was Hulton Park, the others were the Belfry and the London Club. 'Neither of those venues is a new venue so don't have a growth and regeneration element. 'We believe that Hulton is the stand out site and it has the government's backing.' Mr Knight said that in an update given to him in late January, UK Sport have now submitted a proposal to Dept of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) to move forward with the Ryder Cup bid, which is one of the government's hosting targets for major sporting events. He added: 'That then goes through DCMS into Treasury and into the comprehensive spending review if all goes according to plan. 'The process is moving, we're short-listed and I think we've got the best proposition and we've got planning permission. 'We couldn't have put ourselves in a stronger position.' The Ryder Cup was historically played in England every four years until 2002, since when other European venues have hosted. There is a strong expectation in the golfing community that England will host the tournament in 2035. One member of Bolton's planning committee expressed strong doubts about the Hulton Park bid. Speaking at the planning meeting, Coun Debbie Newall, said: 'I was part of the original planning committee in 2018. 'I didn't believe we'd get the Ryder Cup then, I still don't believe we'll get it now. 'There's nothing been said today that assures me that the Ryder Cup is coming to Hulton. It isn't. We're on a short-list of three but there's no guarantee that it's even coming to this country."
