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Fake cosmetics found to contain 'toxic' chemicals Fake cosmetics found to contain 'toxic' chemicals
(about 7 hours later)
People are being warned about fake cosmetics after "toxic" chemicals such as mercury were found in seized goods.People are being warned about fake cosmetics after "toxic" chemicals such as mercury were found in seized goods.
The Local Government Association (LGA) said hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of counterfeit beauty products had been uncovered by councils. Hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of counterfeit beauty products had been uncovered by councils, the Local Government Association said.
It said the products could "pose serious health risks" as well as defrauding consumers and businesses. It said the products could "pose serious health risks", as well as defrauding consumers and businesses.
Some of the products being sold included counterfeit versions of well-known brands MAC, Chanel and Benefit.Some of the products being sold included counterfeit versions of well-known brands MAC, Chanel and Benefit.
The LGA said some of the chemicals found in these copycat products could cause chemical burns and skin rashes.The LGA said some of the chemicals found in these copycat products could cause chemical burns and skin rashes.
It also warned that exposure to mercury in fake cosmetics could have "toxic effects on the nervous system, digestive and immune systems, lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes".It also warned that exposure to mercury in fake cosmetics could have "toxic effects on the nervous system, digestive and immune systems, lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes".
One recent example it gave was a haul of cosmetics - seized by Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards - which were found to contain mercury and illegal levels of the skin whitening agent hydroquinone. One recent example it gave was a haul of cosmetics - seized by Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards - which were found to contain mercury and illegal levels of the skin-whitening agent hydroquinone.
Other council investigations found:Other council investigations found:
Police have previously warned of substances such as rat droppings, human urine and arsenic being found in fake beauty products.Police have previously warned of substances such as rat droppings, human urine and arsenic being found in fake beauty products.
The LGA said that the sale of counterfeit designer products costs the taxpayer and businesses thousands of pounds every year. The sale of counterfeit designer products costs the taxpayer and businesses thousands of pounds every year, the LGA said.
Simon Blackburn, chair of the LGA's Safer and Stronger Communities board, said: "People should always do their research and take a pragmatic approach when they are buying make-up and cosmetics. Simon Blackburn, chair of its Safer and Stronger Communities board, said: "People should always do their research and take a pragmatic approach when they are buying make-up and cosmetics.
"Check the reviews of online sellers, and bear in mind that if something is really cheap, it's likely to be fake and could potentially be harmful. "Check the reviews of online sellers, and bear in mind that if something is really cheap, it's likely to be fake and could potentially be harmful."
He added: "It is vital that people report any concerns, so that councils can take action to prevent anyone being harmed or scarred for life."He added: "It is vital that people report any concerns, so that councils can take action to prevent anyone being harmed or scarred for life."