Chennai: With wet wipes being increasingly common in use, harmful effects of cheap wet wipes that contain chemical preservatives like methyl chloroisothiazoline and methylisothiazoline remain ignored.
A series of random tests carried out in the Indian market by EcoWaste Coalition have revealed that non-branded wet wipes usually sold at low prices can cause allergic reactions and skin infections.
The samples for the tests were randomly picked up from various markets in Southeast Asia and Asian countries where these imported products are in great demand for regular use.
Wet wipes are easily available across the wholesale stores and also the super markets with such products from various companies, along with baby, sanitary and cosmetic products. Wet wipes are not put to much regulation and have become handy for customers.
Though the Drug Control Authority has stated that brands which are manufactured in India are regulated under schedule S of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and meet the standards set by BIS, there are unbranded loose wet wipes sold at a cheap cost that remain unregulated.
The cheap wet wipes can not only cause skin allergies, but its regular usage can lead to burning, itching, red rashes and even blisters due to the presence of these chemicals. The wet tissues are commonly used for infants, which can have harmful effect on their sensitive skin.
“Many infants are brought with rashes near their private parts because the chemical content in the wet wipes that may include methyl chloroisothiazoline and methylisothiazoline causes skin rashes and blisters,” said senior dermatologist Dr Subhashini Mohan.
“Lung toxicity can trigger off exacerbation to allergies when used on face. The wet wipes are not only allergic on skin of infants but the fragrance they contain can cause allergies even to adults. Any kind of fragrance used in any form can be harmful for an individual,” added Dr Subhashini. The wet wipes market in India has grown from 8 per cent in 2012 to 15.3 per cent in 2018. “Public remain unaware of such content in the wet wipes, therefore there is need to caution them of harmful chemical contained in such wipes. Doctors state that drug authorities must take action and create awareness to check the labels and only those brands that are regulated in India must be used. Doctors also warn of alcohol and chemical content in wet wipes. Though the usage is increasing, there is not much regulation and people buy them without looking at the labels and content. Instead of wet wipes, parents should go for cotton cloth or plain dry tissues for wiping them,” said cosmetologist Dr L Dhanalaxmi.
