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Health warning over teeth whitening kits seized in Northampton



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Health officials have warned people not use teeth whitening kits containing dangerously high levels of hydrogen peroxide which were being sold by a Northampton company.
Officers from Northamptonshire Trading Standards seized the kits, which have more than 100 times the legal amount of the chemical, from a firm in the town.

The authority has warned anyone who may have bought one of the kits not to use them, claimi
ng high levels of hydrogen peroxide can act as a "weak cancer promoter", stimulating the growth or multiplication of cancer cells.

Northamptonshire County Council's cabinet member for community safety, Coucillor Liz Tavener (Con, Duston) said: "Tooth whiteners have increased in popularity over the past few years and people may have chosen one of these kits believing them to be safe to use.

"But anyone getting tooth whitening done should ask whether the product they are using contains hydrogen peroxide over 0.1 per cent.

"Anyone who thinks they may have bought these items should not use them and contact trading standards for advice."

The kits were being imported to the UK by the Northampton-based company then sold over the internet as well as to dentists and other businesses.

Trading Standards has told all businesses found selling the product to stop and warned them any further sales will lead to enforcement action.

Dentists have also warned people who may have bought the teeth whitening kits over the internet not to use them.

Dr Atif Qureshi from the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, said: "If anyone has bought a kit containing 10 per cent levels of hydrogen peroxide, that is extremely high.

"People could very easily end up burning their throats with that.

"Shops can't legally sell anything above 0.1 per cent so they're right to have seized these kits.

"If people are using them on themselves the worry is how much of it could go down their throats."

However, Dr Qureshi questioned the link between teeth whitening and cancer, adding: "I think concerns about cancer are pretty baseless.

"Hydrogen peroxide does have a risk, just like any other chemical. But quite frankly most people contract mouth cancer by drinking spirits."

The county council has not named the company which was supplying the teeth whitening kits, but anyone who is concerned about any treatment they have had can call Trading Standards on 08454 040506.

wayne.bontoft@northantsnews.co.uk



The full article contains 406 words and appears in Northampton Chron & Echo newspaper.
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  • Last Updated: 20 March 2008 8:40 AM
  • Source: Northampton Chron & Echo
  • Location: Northampton
 
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helpingyou,

northampton 20/03/2008 12:55:51
If there was NHS DENTISTS around Northampton taking on people and cut there prices then this would not happen. People have to do what then can to keep their teeth white.
2

Victor2,

Northampton 20/03/2008 19:07:56
Teeth Whitening products making headlines! What about all the muggings in Northampton which take place and we do not hear about! If people want to whiten tneir teeth they should at their own will, In America everyone has whiter teeth. There are companies out there who charge less than dentists and offer a better product and service as I have experienced myself in Northampton. Whiter teeth make you feel more confident make you look better,and someone like me cant afford to pay over £300 for whiter teeth, and the link between cancer... why dont you seize all tobacco products from the Newsagents we all own smoking causes cancer not having your teeth whitened.
3

Victor2,

Northampton 20/03/2008 19:12:55
Teeth Whitening products making headlines! What about all the muggings in Northampton which take place and we do not hear about! If people want to whiten tneir teeth they should at their own will, In America everyone has whiter teeth. There are companies out there who charge less than dentists and offer a better product and service as I have experienced myself in Northampton. Whiter teeth make you feel more confident make you look better,and someone like me cant afford to pay over £300 for whiter teeth, and the link between cancer... why dont you seize all tobacco products from the Newsagents we all know smoking causes cancer not having your teeth whitened.
4

motor,

northampton 21/03/2008 15:04:55
After reading the article in the paper I thought I would write a comment as I was completly amused that trading standards seized these goods when I can go on ebay and order teeth whitening products which exceed the limit that the products seized contained. Is this all they have to worry about I am sure there are far more important and unsafe products for them to seize which actually harm. I have been whitening my teeth for over 5 years from products from my dentist and more recently other avenues, my teeth are heathly and white and I just found this article laughable.
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