Products > Dodgy Technology
Gamahealthcare.com selling spray with PHMB 3 years after it was banned in UK
MrMobodies:
I brought some 70% Isopropyl ipa alcohol (on Ebay) for cleaning stuff and for CPU's before I apply the paste and I received something different as posted in the Bad shopping thread:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/consumer-alert-2nd-no-3rd-pass-through-the-spam-bot-filter/msg4658767/#msg4658767
The issue in this thread is not about the seller but the manufacturer selling a product with a supposedly banned ingredient.
Sorry if it didn't sound clear.
As I was discussing it on IRC with Jaymax calling it gutter oil that needs to be sold and questioning whether it is IPA rated I discovered something about the ingredients in the datasheet:
This stuff is Clinell Universal Spray 60ML
https://www.gamahealthcare.com/products/universal-spray-60
Containing:
--- Quote ---Benzalkonium chloride (0.45%)
dideclydimonium chloride (0.4%)
polyhexamethylenebiguanie hydrochloride(0.1%)
phenoxyethanol (0.075%
--- End quote ---
I don't like the what I am reading about the so called side effects.
https://byotrolplc.com/changes-to-biocidal-products-containing-polyhexamethylene-biguanide-phmb/
--- Quote ---"When does the change come into effect?
Whilst PHMB continues to be suitable for use in biocidal products in the European Union (EU), from the 31st December 2022, biocidal products containing Polyhexamethylene Biguanide (PHMB / CAS 27083-27-8) must not be sold in Great Britain. The supply of biocidal products containing PHMB into the European Union, including Northern Ireland, can continue as normal.
Products currently within the GB distribution network will remain legally compliant up until the end of 2022. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has advised that there is no grace period for stock to be sold through after this date. Therefore, PHMB (CAS 27083-27-8) can no longer be legally used in biocidal products in Great Britain after 31st December 2022."
--- End quote ---
Banned in EU but still in cosmetic products (regulated to low amounts):
https://www.beuc.eu/news/suspected-cancer-causing-substance-still-found-personal-care-products
--- Quote ---Suspected cancer-causing substance still found in personal care products
BEUC NEWS - 08.01.2016
An investigation by BEUC’s Danish member has revealed that the suspected cancer-causing substance polyaminopropyl biguanide (PHMB) is still found in cosmetics such as creams and makeup removers – even though it has been banned by EU law. Since August 2015, the Danish Consumer Council has been checking the ingredient lists of cosmetics and identified 36 products which contain this substance. Several of these products are from well-known brands such as Garnier, Vichy and La Roche-Posay which are owned by cosmetics giant L’Oréal.
PHMB is used as a preservative in cosmetics. The substance however is allergenic and has been classified by the EU in 2013 as a suspected carcinogen to humans. In June 2014, the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety was unanimous in its conclusion that PHMB is not safe for consumers. As a result, the EU chose to ban PHMB’s use in personal care products from January 2015. BEUC wants cosmetic products to be safe for consumers. It is unacceptable that manufacturers continue to use PHMB when there are clear health risks for consumers. BEUC demands that all cosmetics products containing PHMB are withdrawn from the market. We also call on manufacturers and Member State market surveillance authorities to take action to protect consumers.
--- End quote ---
Dead URL but found archive.org copy:
http://kemi.taenk.dk/bliv-groennere/banned-and-potentially-cancer-causing-substance-still-found-personal-care-products
--- Quote ---Forside Bliv grønnere Banned and potentially cancer-causing substance still found in personal care products
4. jan 2016 Af Niels Søndergaard
The potentially cancer-causing substance polyaminopropyl biguanide (PHMB) is banned in personal care products. But the substance is still found in creams, makeup removers and cleansing tissues. The Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals has notified authorities about 36 products.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide in personal care products
Photo: Anne Beck Christensen
Updated: PHMB has subsequently been allowed in lower concentrations. Products with the substance will still receive a low assessment in tests from The Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals since it is suspected of causing cancer.
Banned substance still found in personal care products
The substance polyaminopropyl biguanide (PHMB) has been banned in personal care products since January 2015. PHMB is a preservative that is used in for example makeup removers, body lotions and creams. The substance is suspected to be cancer-causing, it is detrimental to the environment and it is allergenic. But in spite of the ban The Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals has since August 2015 checked the ingredient lists of cosmetics and found 36 products, which contain the illegal substance. These have been reported to the authorities. The products were found on the shelves in Danish shops, supermarkets and pharmacies.
“When we still encounter this substance in so many products a year after the ban was implemented, we question whether it is taken seriously by the manufacturers and retailers. In regard to the manufacturers we find it unacceptable that major companies such as L’Oréal still does not abide by law. It is not acceptable to subject the consumers to health risks in this way,” says Claus Jørgensen, Senior Project Manager at The Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals.
The EU classified PHMB as a so-called CMR-substance with effect from 1st of January 2015. CMR-substances can be cancer-causing or harm hereditary genes, fetuses or the human fertility. 14 L’Oréal products still contain PHMB Among the 36 reported products several are withdrawn from the market by the companies behind. But far from all companies have followed this example. L’Oréal is behind 14 products which are reported to the authorities. Consumers can still encounter products such as makeup removers from the brands Garnier, Vichy and La Roche-Posay when shopping - all owned by L'Oréal.
Head of consumer affairs in L’Oréal Nordic, Sonja Christensen, does not want to comment on the content of the problematic substance in the company’s products. She says that it is an issue for the entire industry. However, she stresses that the company does not consider products with PHMB to constitute a health risk. L’Oréal does not express any intention of removing the products from the market.
Trade organization: PHMB is not illegal
In the Danish trade organization SPT, which among others represent the manufacturers of personal care products, CEO Hanna Løyche does not find the suspected cancer-causing PHMB to be illegal.
“We do not share the interpretation that PHMB has been illegal in cosmetic products since January 2015, where the classification of PHMB as a CMR-substance was applied. CMR-substances may be used in cosmetic products if a risk assessment shows that the use of the substance is safe,” Hanna Løyche states. Hanna Løyche refers to the latest assessment of PHMB from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, which concludes that a safe level of PHMB under 0.3 percent is a possibility. SPT’s assessment that PHMB is legal stands in contrast to the Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) view. On the EPA’s website is stated: “The substance’s classification as cancer-causing in category 2 was applied 1st of January 2015. The substance has been illegal to use in cosmetic products since that date”. The accuracy of this text has been confirmed by the authorities to The Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals.
Authorities surprised by trade organization and manufacturers
At the EPA functional manager in the Chemical Inspection Service, Dorte Balle Hermansen, writes that the authorities are surprised by how the cosmetics trade organization, SPT, and manufacturers approach this issue. She explains that the authorities had expected that the products with PHMB would be withdrawn from the market after the EU classified the substance as a CMR-substance. This has been custom since 2010. However, after EPA has received several reports about products with PHMB that are still on the market, they have discussed the case with SPT and ‘a large manufacturer’. They have informed the EPA that they do not recognize the ban against PHMB.
“The EPA can ascertain that there still are a number of products with PHMB on the Danish market and that these products will not be removed voluntarily. Consequently, The Danish Environmental Protection Agency will decide on these products very early in the new year,” writes Dorte Balle Hermansen. ‘Recall the products from the market’
Senior Project Manager, Claus Jørgensen, from The Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals does not understand why major companies like L’Oréal have not already removed the banned substance and the products which contain it from the market.
“It is unacceptable that the manufacturers still use PHMB in spite of a clear ban and we look forward to the intervention of the EPA. The manufacturers ought to recall the products from the market,” says Claus Jørgensen.
What is The Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals?
The 36 products found on the shelves are listed below:
--- Code: ---Sephora Express Cleansing wipes face, eyes, lips pro-vitamin B5
Vichy Pureté Thermale soothing eye make-up remover
Vichy Pureté Thermale 3 in 1 one step cleansing micellar solution
La Roche-Posay Micellar Water sensitive skin
La Roche-Posay Physiological micellar solution sensitive eyes
La Roche-Posay Respectissime Waterproof eye makeup remover sensitive eyes
La Roche-Posay Physiological eye-make up remover sensitive eyes
La Roche-Posay Solution Micellaire Physiologique sensitive skin
Garnier skin naturals Micellar Cleansing Water normal & sensitive skin
Garnier skin naturals New pure active micellar cleansing water
Garnier skin naturals Micellar cleansing wipes
L´Occitane en Provence Milk veil
L´Occitane en Provence Gentle toner enriched with shea
L´Occitane en Provence Ultra rich shower cream
L´Occitane en Provence Amande milk concentrate
L´Occitane en Provence Delicious hands with almond milk
L´Occitane en Provence Dry skin foot cream 15% shea butter
L´Occitane en Provence L´Occtitan after-shave balm for men
L´Occitane en Provence Cade after-shave balm for men
L´Occitane en Provence Bavx after-shave balm for men
L´Oreal Paris Eye & lip extress make-up remover
L´Oreal Paris Micellar cleansing water
Garnier skin naturals Micellar Cleansing Water
Garnier skin naturals Eye make-up remover 2in1
Embryolisse Lotion Micellaire*
Panduro Hobby Junior Face paint crayons*
HH Simonsen Gray / Mud*
Plaisir Cleansing facial wipes - all skin types*
Dennis Knudsen Skin complex facial cleansing wipes - all skin types*
Satessa Fugtige plejeservietter aloe vera*
Satessa Fugtige plejeservietter sensitiv*
Biocura Fugtgivende renseservietter - til ansigt og øjne - med aloe vera ekstrakt*
Biocura Fugtgivende renseservietter - til ansigt og øjne - med provitamin B5*
Tromborg Anti cellulite serum*
Helosan Original*
Helosan Fodsalve*
--- End code ---
*The manufacturers of these products have informed The Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals that either they no longer using PHMB, or that there is a mistake on the label, or that they have withdrawn the product from the stores.
For further questions contact Head of Project, Claus Jørgensen, on (+45) 22 22 74 55 or cj@fbr.dk.
Læs mere
--- End quote ---
Now looking at that picture and the list, maybe I am missing something, I don't see anything there where you spray it as a form of mist in the air apart from the shaving cream.
I know that polyhexamethylenebiguanie mixture is 1% but marketed to be used for everyday cleaning can mean higher exposure to it.
https://www.gamahealthcare.com/products/universal-spray-60
--- Quote ---Gamma Clinell Universal Spray 60ml
Universal formulation to clean and disinfect in a single step. Kills at least 99.99% of pathogens. Effective from 10 seconds.
The UK’s most trusted single-step detergent and disinfectant formula; ideal for use on both surfaces and non-invasive medical devices. Our patented near-neutral pH formula ensures exceptional material compatibility and is proven to kill at least 99.99% of pathogens after 10 seconds, norovirus within one minute and reduce instances of MRSA by 55%.
PDF copy and attached:
https://gama.getbynder.com/m/3b168a32c916b90e
--- Code: ---Product code: CDS60
EFFECTIVE AGAINST THE COVID-19 VIRUS IN 30 SECONDS.
[b]Efficacy data[/b]
Effective Against Test Kill Time
Viruses
SARS-CoV-2 EN 14476 30 sec
Adenovirus EN 14476 60 sec
Influenza H5N1EN 14476 30 sec
Hepatitis B ASTM E1052 60 sec
Hepatitis C EN 14476 60 sec
HIV EN 14476 30 sec
Measles (Canine distemper virus) EN 14476 60 sec
MERS-CoV EN 14476 60 sec
Mumps (rubulavirus) EN 14476 60 sec
Murine coronavirus EN 14476 30 sec
Murine hepatitis virus EN 14476 30 sec
Norovirus EN 14476 60 sec
Rotavirus EN 14476 60 sec
Vaccinia virus EN 14476 15 sec
EN 16615 60 sec
EN 16777 15 sec
Bacteria
Acinetobacter baumannii EN 13727 10 sec
Burkholderia cepacia EN 13727 10 sec
Enterococcus faecalis EN 13727 10 sec
Enterococcus faecium EN 13727 10 sec
Enterococcus hirae EN 13727 10 sec
EN 16615 10 sec
Escherichia coli K12 EN 13727 10 sec
Klebsiella pneumoniae EN 13727 10 sec
Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPE) EN 13727 10 sec
Legionella pneumophila EN 13727 60 sec
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus EN 13727 10 sec
Pseudomonas aeruginosa EN 13727 10 sec
EN 16615 10 sec
Salmonella typhimurium EN 13727 60 sec
Serratia marsescens EN 13727 10 sec
Staphylococcus aureus EN 13727 10 sec
EN 16615 10 sec
Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) EN 13727 10 sec
Vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE) EN 13727 60 sec
Mycobacteria
Mycobacterium bovis EN 14348 120 sec
Fungi (yeast)
Candida albicans EN 13624 60 sec
EN 16615 10 sec
Candida auris EN 13624 60 sec
Candida auris Japanese clade EN 13624 10 sec
EN 13624 60 sec
Candida auris South African clade EN 13624 60 sec
Candida auris South Korean clade EN 13624 60 sec
[b]Veterinary organisms[/b]
Bordetella bronchiseptica EN 1656 60 sec
Candida albicans EN 1657 60 sec
Enterococcus hirae EN 1656 60 sec
Leptospira interrogans EN 1656 60 sec
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius EN 1656 60 sec
Proteus vulgaris EN 1656 60 sec
Pseudomonas aeruginosa EN 13727 10 sec
EN 16615 10 sec
Staphylococcus aureus EN 13727 10 sec
EN 16615 10 sec
--- End code ---
--- End quote ---
I am sure it works (as advertised on website) but I don't like what I am reading about the side effects of these ingredients and the fact what it seems to me that they are being sold as an everyday use 'spray in yer face' with at portable small bottle with the atomizer sprayer.
I was thinking of it for of an industrial cleaning agent, where it is in a non spray bottle for wiping and you were a mask to not breathe it in but I don't know how how dangerous other than in large amounts and this is 1%.
Also I see their disclaimer notice what looks to me like how might try wriggle out of responsibility.
--- Quote ---Disclaimer: * This information is furnished without warranty express or implied, except that it is accurate to the best of our knowledge.
It relates to the specific material designated herein, and does not relate to the use in
combination with any other material or in any process. **We assume no legal responsibility for
use or reliance upon this information.
--- End quote ---
Yes "to their best of their knowledge"... in 2010... but not at the time it was issued and published in 2019 to 2020.
They seem to refer to standards before 2010:
--- Quote ---Classification according Mixture not classified as hazardous
to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---SAFETY DATA SHEET
Clinell Universal Spray (CDS60)
According to Regulation (EU) No 453/2010
Issue Date:16 April 2019
4.2 Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
This product contains PHMB which may cause an allergic reaction.
--- End quote ---
Datasheet attached:
Universal Spray 60ml SDS.pdf
Just found :
https://www.endurocide.com/news/changes-to-our-enduro-hand-disinfectant-range/
--- Quote ---14 Feb 2017 Changes to our Enduro Hand Disinfectant Range
We regret to advise you that due to changes in European Legislation surrounding the use of Polyhexamethylene Biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB) on skin, the Enduro Disinfectant Range will no longer be available for sale within the UK or European Union.
Within these areas, these products will now be replaced with our Enduro Sanitiser Range.
What is PHMB?
PHMB is a synthetic polymer commonly used as as disinfectant and antiseptic due to its effective action on multiple pathogens, including spores. It is a common ingredient found in many everyday cleaning materials ranging from cosmetics to water treatment products.
The use of PHMB has recently been reviewed under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) No. 528.2012 and from the conclusions of this review, PHMB is no longer approved for use in, amongst others, Product Type 1 (Human Hygiene Products), meaning it cannot be used on the skin. PHMB is one of the active chemicals used in our Enduro Hand Disinfectant and Enduro Hygiene Wipes and both of these products fall under the Product Type 1 classification in the BPR.
For more information on the BPR, how it works and Product Type classifications, please visit the Legislation page on our parent company's website, which we are continually updating.
What products are affected?
Product affected
Enduro Hand Disinfectant
Enduro Hygiene Wipes
Replacement product
Enduro Hand Sanitiser
Enduro Sanitising Wipes
Changeover date: 16th February 2017
Other important information...
The decision to ban PHMB in human hygiene products is now in effect and will be enforced by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) within the UK. Therefore the following timetable now applies:
PHMB-containing hygiene products are no longer available for sale in the UK & the EU from the 17th of February 2017 onwards.
Existing stocks of PHMB-containing hygiene products may continue to be used until the 16th of August 2017.
Please Note:
The BPR applies only to countries within the European Union and as such is not enforced in the rest of the world - where the use of PHMB is still authorised to be used in products which come into contact with human skin. We will therefore continue to offer our Enduro Hand Disinfectant Range for sale outside of the UK & EU as normal. For more details, please refer to our Legislation page.
--- End quote ---
Clinell Datasheet:
--- Quote ---Issue Date:16 April 2019 Version Number: 2
Status at 24-Jan-2022: Published
--- End quote ---
Britain left the EU on 31 January 2020.
https://www.government.nl/topics/brexit/question-and-answer/when-will-the-united-kingdom-leave-the-european-union
So Endurocide stopped using it in their products in 2017 when the EU banned it and in 2019, 3 years after, Clinnel (Designs product in UK and makes them in China) had it approved using old EU regulation before 2010 ignoring the new 2017 regulation at the time.
Earliest on archive.org: August 2020
https://web.archive.org/web/20200805185535/https://www.gamahealthcare.com/products/universal-spray-60
--- Quote ---PHMB-containing hygiene products are no longer available for sale in the UK & the EU from the 17th of February 2017 onwards.
--- End quote ---
It seems to me like they are cherry picking EU regulations by dates when it suits them.
What do you think?
Am I being paranoid?
Edit: changed title.
Mistakingly labelled it "HDPE" instead of "PHMB" as pointed out by thm_w.
Spelt Gammahealthcare.com wrong in the domain with an extra "m".
Suppose to be Gamahealthcare.com
thm_w:
You returned it without a problem, to me that is the end of the story. Its some old covid stock they probably wanted to clear out.
If you are concerned about the seller, then leave a negative review, stating what happened and why others shouldn't buy from them.
Your title is HDPE but its PHMB
--- Quote ---The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has also concluded that PHMB is not safe when used as a preservative in a concentration higher than 0.3-percent in cosmetic products, say Drs. Shetler and Falsetti. And according to McWhorter, in the EU, PHMB was banned in personal-care products after being labeled a Category 2 Carcinogenic Agent in 2015.
--- End quote ---
edit: how did you buy from them? I assumed it was ebay but is this their official Amazon store? Can you link to the item you actually bought.
MrMobodies:
--- Quote from: thm_w on January 25, 2023, 01:06:29 am ---You returned it without a problem, to me that is the end of the story.
--- End quote ---
Yes I have opened a return and I am not blaming them.
--- Quote ---Its some old covid stock they probably wanted to clear out.
--- End quote ---
Aah makes sense, as to what Jaymax referred to as "Gutter oil".
--- Quote ---If you are concerned about the seller, then leave a negative review, stating what happened and why others shouldn't buy from them.
--- End quote ---
I opened returns as it was not alcohol and I did messaged the seller after I discovered it and now I got a returns form. It is not the seller I am talking about it is the manufacturer selling it in this country when it was suppose to be banned according to what I was reading about the ingredients on the datasheet (out of curiosity and to see there was any mention of IPA that Jaymax brought up) or am I missing something?
--- Quote ---Your title is HDPE but its PHMB right
The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has also concluded that PHMB is not safe when used as a preservative in a concentration higher than 0.3-percent in cosmetic products, say Drs. Shetler and Falsetti. And according to McWhorter, in the EU, PHMB was banned in personal-care products after being labeled a Category 2 Carcinogenic Agent in 2015.
--- End quote ---
Oops will change it.
thm_w:
You bought directly from the manufacturer?
Or did you buy on Amazon/ebay.
MrMobodies:
Aaah sorry it was Ebay.
I am not holding the seller accountable or blaming them for the ingredients other than sending me the wrong thing with no alcohol in it.
It is the manufacturer selling the product with the a supposedly banned ingredient.
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