Irish Regulator Seizes 7,000 Illegal Teeth-Whitening Kits with High Peroxide Levels
Irish consumers are warned about illegal teeth-whitening products with high hydrogen peroxide levels entering the market. The HPRA seized nearly 7,000 kits last year, citing risks like chemical burns and long-term oral health issues. The regulator advises consulting dentists and buying only from reputable sources.
Consumers in Ireland are being cautioned about the influx of illegal and potentially unsafe teeth-whitening products containing elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide into the market. This warning follows the seizure of approximately 7,000 such kits by Ireland's health product regulator last year.
Hydrogen peroxide, the active bleaching agent in these kits, is subject to strict regulation within the European Union. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) warns that high concentrations of this chemical can lead to various adverse effects, including sensitivity, inflammation, pain, gum irritation, damage to existing dental work, and even chemical burns.
In 2023, the HPRA confiscated 6,849 units of teeth-whitening products and facilitated the removal of 105 website URLs associated with the sale and supply of illegal teeth-whitening items. These products, often in the form of strips and gels, are frequently promoted on social media platforms.
Lisa Byrne, Cosmetic Product Manager at the HPRA, noted a rise in teeth-whitening products sold directly to consumers online that contain hydrogen peroxide levels significantly exceeding the permissible limit, sometimes ranging from 15% to 40%. She emphasized that these concentrations are «well above» the EU's 6% limit and pose a risk of «long-term oral health complications.» The HPRA advises consumers to purchase teeth-whitening products exclusively from reputable, trusted outlets that adhere to EU regulations and to consult a dentist before undergoing any whitening procedures, especially for individuals with pre-existing dental or medical conditions. Serious reactions can be reported via the HPRA’s website, hrpa.ie.