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  • 2000.04.17

Clean bill of health for heavy metals in "detoxifying" dietary supplements but doubts cast over their efficacy by medical practitioners

Dietary supplements are fast proliferating in a market of aging population yearning for health and beauty. One type of health supplements claims to provide the solution simply by "detoxifying" the body. Too good to be true?

Nonetheless, many are buying these products in the hope that they could purportedly rid the body of the toxins and wastes that are harmful to health.

In the wake of the recent test report on shark liver oil capsules, some of which were found contaminated with a suspected carcinogenic substance PCBs, the Consumer Council has continued its testing of health products popular with consumers here.

In its latest test, the Council examined 10 samples of health products that make specific claims to detoxify the body - by eliminating toxins and wastes from the body - so as to bring good health.

The test focused on the potential hazard of excessive heavy metals namely, lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic, in these products. Earlier, a report in Macau has indicated the presence of excessive heavy metals in some of these products.

Results of the test are reassuring to consumers who may heave a sigh of relief. As far as the four heavy metals are concerned, all samples were given a clean bill of health.

Only a few samples were found to contain detectable levels of lead and arsenic but, when taking into account the recommended daily intake of the products, their concentrations are within the limits set by the Department of Health for heavy metals in drugs.

And only if the products are taken abusively in excessive quantity will the safety limits be passed.

The test found some of the products to make medicinal claims for the cure of hepatic disease, diabetes and hypertension. Products bearing such claims may need to be regulated under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance but no pharmaceutical registration numbers were found on them.

The Consumer Council has referred these cases to the Department of Health as they may have contravened the Undesirable Medical Advertisements Ordinance.

While it is beyond the scope of the Council's test to assess the efficacy of these health supplements, the Council has sought expert opinions from Chinese herbalists and western medical doctors. Both have their doubts over the necessity of the body for such dietary supplements.

Chinese herbalists are of the view that while the accumulation of toxins or wastes in the body may cause some kind ofillness, it can be treated by prescribing some Chinese herbs to eliminate the toxins through body sweating, urination or defecation. They also question the effectiveness of some ingredients used in some of these products.

As there is no single remedy for all kinds of sickness and for all people, consumers are advised not to simply buy and use a product without any proper consultation. Drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables are effective ways to keep toxins away.

Opinions of western doctors note that while some of these products contain fibre that may help defecation, there is no scientific evidence that increasing bowel movement can make people more energetic, vigorous, potent or youthful. Taking dietary supplements may have some effect to increase the fibre in our diet but consuming more fruits and vegetables and water is equally adequate and effective.

According to the test, the daily consumption of the most expensive sample costs $46.70 for a daily intake.

Consumers will have to decide for themselves whether these dietary supplements are essential and necessary andwhether they represent good value for money. Consumers are urged to consult the test report in this April issue of CHOICE.

Some samples of fragrance product found with traces of benzene, potential fire risks, inadequate safety markings

Benzene, a human carcinogen, has been detected in two samples of fragrance products although their quantities are within the recommended safety level of a voluntary standard.

The two samples were found, in a Consumer Council test, to contain 7.5ppm (parts per million) and 8.7ppm of benzene respectively. As both do not exceed the 10ppm level set by the International Fragrance Association, there is no cause for alarm in the use of these products.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified benzene as a Group I carcinogen confirmed to cause cancerin humans.

Ingestion, inhalation or absorption through the skin of harmful amount of benzene can cause symptoms of irritation of themucous membranes, restlessness, convulsions, excitement and depression.

Included in the test were a total of 66 models from 18 brands of fragrance products with a price range of $29 to $888 abottle - 44 in small bottle (less than 15 ml) and 5 in large bottle (greaterthan 200 ml) labelled to contain essential oils or absolutes, and 17 at the lower price end of under $50 with no claims of essential oils or absolutes.

Essential oils or absolutes, extracted from flowers, leaves, fruits seeds, woods, etc., are marketed for the enhancement of health through inhalation, baths, topical application and massage.

In the test, benzene was detected in only two out of 66 samples of fragrance products. The overwhelming majority (97%) of the samples were not detected of this cancer-causing substance.

Besides benzene, the test found the samples to be generally satisfactory in their contents of 6 other organic solvents (which may be the remains in the manufacturing process for fragrance products and may cause skin irritation) and 4 phenols (irritating chemicals). The amounts detected of these chemicals should pose no harm to human health.

The test also studied the flammability of fragrance products. Most products and in particular those mixed with ethanol oriso-propanol were found to have a low flash point (the lowest temperature at which a liquid will give off vapour which will ignite or explode if mixed with air and exposed to a naked flame) of below 60°C. In general, liquid with flashpoint below 60°C is flammable.

Consumers are cautioned to use these products with due care for their potential fire hazards.

In addition, the Council tested 5 samples of electric essential oil vaporizers for their electrical safety. All but one ofthe samples were found not in compliance with specific test clauses, posing potential electric shock and fire hazards to the user. Although they do not pose imminent hazards, consumers are advised to use such appliances with due care (for example, do not use the vaporizer when cracks are detected, do not fill the container with too much water and unplug the vaporizer after use).

The Consumer Council has forwarded the findings to the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department for further action it deems necessary.

Consumers are also strongly advised to look for fragrance products with adequate safety markings and expiry date.

This is because such products and those with essential oils in particular may have irritating, sensitization or photo-toxic effects to the skin. Some essential oils can also be harmful to the pregnant women and fetus.

Expiry date is also important because chemical degradation may result from prolonged storage. For example, the terpenes in lemon and pine essential oils when degraded can form compounds whichare potential skin sensitisers.

However, the Consumer Council found the labelling of safety markings and expiry date of fragrance products to be far from satisfactory.

All but 14 of the samples were without adequate bilingual (Chinese and English) safety markings as is required under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance. And only 20 carried information of expiry date.

The Council has notified the Customs and Excise Department of the findings.

Advice in use of rental service for wedding gowns and suits to avoid unnecessary disputes

Hoping to look your best on your wedding is a desire we all naturally share. But, as the saying goes, hope for the best but always be prepared for the worst.

At least 6 newly-wed couples who have usedrental service of wedding gowns and suits, would testify to the crucial necessity of staying alert and cautious in using such service to avoid falling prey of potential malpractices.

Their tales of woe were highlighted in this issue of CHOICE for the attention of would-be brides and grooms contemplating or shopping for a rental service of wedding gowns and suits.

Typical examples which the Consumer Council has received relating to rental service of wedding dresses include:

  • demand for compensation for defects or tears which actually existed before the rental;
  • disagreement over the sum of compensation for damages caused to the garments;
  • excluded from selection of top grade wedding dresses as originally agreed;
  • being sold rental wedding gowns in generally poor condition;
  • unfair terms and conditions on sales receipt or invoice;
  • changing of date of rental through verbal confirmation but the company later refused to honour.

Would-be brides and grooms are advised to always take heed of a number of important aspects involved in a rental service transaction.

First, as wedding gowns for rental vary considerably in price (depending on the number of previous rentals and thegrade) and in condition, they will do well to start shopping around at least three months before the wedding to allow ample time for the shops to make the necessary alterations.

Second, always check the gowns or suits very carefully when making reservation and prior to collecting the garments. State clearly on the receipt any defects found to protect your interests in case of future dispute.

Third, study with care the terms and conditions that are printed or written on the receipt or invoice and insist on amendment of any terms and conditions that are not favourable. Should the shop refuse to do so, they are advised to think twice before entering into the contract.

Fourth, as certain the grade or classification of the wedding dress which you are entitled to choose from and have such understanding clearly stated on the receipt or invoice.

Lastly, take into consideration the amount of deposit needed and the compensation (usually by forfeiture of deposit) that may entail in the event of dispute over damages to the rental goods.

Useful tips to assist parents in choice of kindergartens

A 2-part series of articles on kindergartens began in this issue of CHOICE. With over 700 kindergartens in Hong Kong, what should parents look out for when choosing probably the first formal schooling for their young children?

Here are some useful tips for the parents:

  • Whether the kindergarten is registered or not. A certificate of registration must be exhibited in a conspicuous place in the school. Parents can also find a list of registered schools in the web page of Education Department ( http://www.info.gov.hk/ed ).
  • Check the fees listed in the fees certificate, which must also be exhibited in a conspicuous place, against the actual fees required by the kindergarten. By doing so, parents can avoid being overcharged by the school.
  • Several cases of kindergarten enrolling students beyond the statutory allowable limit have been brought to public attention last year. Parents should also consider the past records of the kindergarten.
  • Whether the parents feel comfortable with the environment, hygiene and facilities of the kindergarten.
  • There should not be too much homework, exercises, etc. Lessons in the form of activities and games can increase the child's creativity and interest in learning.
  • Apart from school fees, parents also need to pay miscellaneous items such as uniform, textbooks, stationery, snacks, etc. According to the Education Department, parents can choose to purchase these items by themselves, rather than through the school.