Dangerous fake make-up 'containing arsenic' seized

Dangerous fake versions of designer make-up have been seized from a shop in Warwickshire.

Trading standards found the cosmetics, which were counterfeit versions of Mac, Benefit and Naked Pallet in the store in Nuneaton.

The products contained arsenic, mercury, copper, cadmium and lead, some had 19 times more than their permitted limit.

Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service are investigating.

Excessive lead in the body can be very dangerous. Once lead enters the body, it is absorbed into the blood and then travels via the blood to the nerves, kidneys, brain, muscles, and heart. Lead and other heavy metals accumulating in the body can cause health problems such as:

• Increased chance of illness during pregnancy

• Harm to a foetus, including brain damage or death

• Fertility problems in both men and women

• High blood pressure

• Digestive problems

• Nerve disorders

• Memory and concentration problems

• Muscle and joint pain