China's Ministry of Health has banned the sale and use of eight
hair gel products that contain excessive and harmful methanol
content.
The ministry conducted a sample survey on hair gel products sold
on wholesale markets and in cosmetic and barber shops, and found
that eight hair gel products, manufactured by five companies in
Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, and three companies in
north China's Tianjin Municipality, containing higher than
allowable methanol levels.
Those companies on the blacklist are Guangzhou Lairun Cosmetic
Co. Ltd., Tianjin Xinli Factory, Guangzhou Darong Co. Ltd., Tianjin
Miaoli Factory, Guangzhou Boqian Co. Ltd., Guangzhou Fage Co. Ltd.,
Tianjin Xingfa Co. Ltd. and Guangzhou Yibeishi Cosmetic
Factory.
The names of the companies and their problematic products were
disclosed on the website of the Ministry of Health,
www.moh.gov.cn.
People repeatedly exposed to methanol can experience several
adverse effects ranging from headaches to sleep disorders and
gastrointestinal problems to optic nerve damage, said experts.
The ministry banned sales of the problematic products and
required local health departments to strengthen supervision on the
companies and trace the problematic products to sales outlets.
(Xinhua News Agency August 4, 2007)