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- It is harmful to breathe: Rospotrebnadzor found dangerous substances in banned aroma inhalers
It is harmful to breathe: Rospotrebnadzor found dangerous substances in banned aroma inhalers
Rospotrebnadzor has detected banned nasal aroma inhalers on sale on online sites. They were found to contain substances of the third class of danger, negatively affecting the central nervous system, liver, kidneys and other organs. This follows from the response of the head of the service Anna Popova to the deputy of the State Duma Ivan Sukharev, who asked to conduct an inspection of goods popular among the population that do not have certificates of conformity.
Aroma inhalers dangerous for health
Aroma-inhalers for the nose, dangerous to health, were found on sale on online sites in Russia. This follows from Rospotrebnadzor's response to Ivan Sukharev, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Property, Land and Property Relations. He had earlier asked the federal service to conduct an inspection of goods popular among the population that do not have certificates of conformity.
In the course of monitoring, the service revealed the sale of such products on the Internet under the guise of medical devices, according to the document, which is available at Izvestia. The description of the goods may mislead the consumer about consumer properties. In particular, it was found that these goods are often accompanied by declarations of conformity to the requirements of the Customs Union technical regulations "On the safety of perfumes and cosmetics" (TR CU 009/2011), not confirmed by the grounds for issuing such declarations, or there is no information on accompanying documents.
It is also reported that the research of samples of aroma-inhalers was conducted in FBUZ "Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in Moscow". The composition revealed menthol, declared on the labeling, as well as unspecified substances - camphor and compounds characteristic of both natural essential oils and synthetic flavorings.
"Detected and identified substances of the third class of hazard, not declared on the labeling of products, having irritant effect, effect on the central and peripheral nervous system, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, morphological composition of peripheral blood (toluene, xylene isomers, diethyl phthalate)," the document reports.
In addition, these goods lacked information in Russian, information on the manufacturer and importer of products, as well as instructions for safe use. According to the service, Rospotrebnadzor sent this information to Rosakkreditation, Roszdravnadzor and the Association of Internet Trade Companies (AKIT) in order to urgently take measures aimed at preventing the sale of dangerous aroma-inhalers.
- Our fears turned out to be correct - the aroma-inhalers currently fashionable among children contain many dangerous substances that can cause serious damage to the health and vital systems of a young organism," Ivan Sukharev told Izvestia.
According to him, in Russia, there are regularly recorded cases of deaths of teenagers from smoking vapes.
- The moment when fatal for health "dudelki" flooded the domestic market, was missed, although we have repeatedly called for a complete ban on their sale. But we were not listened to. Now we simply do not have the right to repeat this mistake with aroma-inhalers. That is why it is extremely important that this product was removed from sale, we can not let this situation go on its own, - said the deputy.
Why aroma-inhalers can be withdrawn from sale
Rospotrebnadzor in December 2024 stopped the sale of aroma-inhalers for the nose on online platforms. As Izvestia found out, the goods were indeed removed from marketplaces, but they are available on other online sites. Izvestia found similar products on some websites.
The editorial staff sent inquiries to these resources, as well as to marketplaces.
"The product is based on aroma oils such as camphor, menthol and eucalyptus. The stick contains a unique amalgamation of mineral extracts that strengthen and boost immunity and protect against various diseases. Ideal for relieving unpleasant symptoms of colds, flu, sinusitis, drowsiness, dizziness and other illnesses. It helps with motion sickness. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral action. Breathing in the aroma, you will feel a pleasant relief and improvement in your well-being. Suitable during pregnancy, it is safe and effective. With regular use, it can strengthen the body, reduce odors, relieve feelings of fatigue. Enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy," reads the product card.
The editorial board also sent requests to Roszdravnadzor and Rosakkreditatsiya asking them to comment on their measures.
Rospotrebnadzor asked Izvestia to hand over all available materials on the sales of nasal aroma-inhalers in the online stores mentioned in the journalist's request.
- This information is necessary for prompt measures to suppress the sale of these products," the agency said.
They also said that the identified products, sold with violations, were withdrawn from sale, the declarations were terminated.
- Rospotrebnadzor takes prompt measures to suspend the validity of such documents, as well as the sale of these products in case of detection of these products, - emphasized in the service.
Wildberries regularly monitors the showcase for the presence of prohibited goods on the site and in case of their detection immediately blocks such cards, not allowing their sale, reported "Izvestia" in the press service of the aggregator.
- The platform always responds promptly to appeals from government agencies and public organizations and conducts additional checks on the goods - the subjects of the appeal, and in case of detection of violations - takes immediate action. Based on the results of the inspection, a decision was made to block aroma-inhalers on the platform. Wildberries was the first of the marketplaces to remove goods from the showcase on December 10, 2024, - explained in the press service.
Only law enforcement agencies can seize any products by court order or as part of operational work, Internet trading companies do not have such powers, explained "Izvestia" president of AKIT Artem Sokolov.
- A number of sites hid offers with dangerous aroma-inhalers even before the appeal of Rospotrebnadzor and continued to monitor showcases after the official statement of the agency, which confirmed that they can be dangerous to health. Now the sites, which are members of the association, regularly monitor their shop windows, and if such offers are revealed again, they are also quickly hidden in order not to bring them to actual realization," he explained to Izvestia.
Artem Sokolov also said that the association has a long-standing cooperation with Rospotrebnadzor, so such issues are resolved in real time, before the release of regulations or prescriptions, because the industry is also interested in making goods safe for customers.
- In terms of current legislation, we have strict rules on the admission of any products to the market, including those that may be potentially dangerous. Depending on the degree of danger and potential threats to consumers, different types of products are required to undergo certification and declaration procedures, including safety and quality inspections. However, under the moratorium on inspections, the ability of supervisory authorities to control or bring violators to justice is severely limited," Oleg Pavlov, head of the Public Council at Rospotrebnadzor, explained to Izvestia.
According to him, unscrupulous entrepreneurs, who are often located in foreign countries, take advantage of this. They import goods that may be popular with consumers but pose a health threat, and it is not easy to withdraw them from sale.
Once Rospotrebnadzor has received information that aroma inhalers really belong to a certain class of hazard and pose a threat to consumer health, such inspections will be easier to coordinate and conduct, said Oleg Pavlov. The public activist also noted the importance of simplifying the pre-trial blocking of such goods.
Earlier it was reported that the product was particularly popular among junior high school students, who bought it freely on the Internet. Aroma-inhalers could be purchased at a price starting from 100 rubles.
