NAFDAC warns of dangers in cosmetic products, bleaching creams, hair dyes

Blessing Akorowosi, Osogbo

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has called for urgent caution on the use of cosmetic products including nail products, facial makeups, lip sticks, bleaching creams, hair dyes amongst others due to their harmful components and wrong composition.

This is as the regulatory agency vowed to be on the lookout for manufacturers and distributors of unregistered cosmetic products to control its spread and save more lives.

At a media sensitisation workshop organised by NAFDAC for journalists in south west states on Friday at Ibadan, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye stressed the need to avoid bleaching creams which becomes addictive and harms the skin, including internal organs.

She urged citizens to check the composition of cosmetic products before purchase, adding that the chemical mixtures must be of the right percentage.

Prof Adeyeye enjoined Nigerians to appreciate their skin colour rather than bleach and expose themselves to various illnesses that lead to painful slow death.

“It is very important to have knowledge of the composition of these cosmetic products. Both synthetic and natural organic mixtures could be harmful if they are not in the right proportion.

“The effect of bleaching is painful slow death and we want this to stop. That is why we are collaborating with health journalists to spread the message to the public.

“Black is beautiful. It is a matter of the mindset. The blacks want to be white and the whites want to be black. Men, having a light-complexioned woman doesn’t mean she will do what you want. We can make ourselves healthier by the choices we make,” the NAFDAC DG stated.

In his presentation on safe handling of chemicals and ingredients in the cosmetics industry, the Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research, Dr. Leonard Omokpariola noted that cosmetics abuse can lead cell damage and cancer.

Dr Omokpariola stated that the effect of bleaching cream is irreversible, urging those currently using such creams to stop to prevent avoidable death.

Explaining the chemicals used for cosmetics and their harmful effects, he said, “Methyl methacrylate is a chemical used for nail products which can lead to dependence and cell damage when excessively used.

“Coal Tar is gotten from coal is used in making hair dye as well as Lead acetate from lead. From the hair, the chemical substances in it goes into the body. Phthalates, one of the ingredients in skin lotions, nail polish, hair products could be harmful to the health causing infertility.

“Our submissions are based on scientific research to correctly enlighten you and not to scare you. We will surely get at those that mix chemicals for cosmetics ignorantly as we are saddled with the responsibility of protecting the health of Nigerians.”