Warning on DIY teeth-whiteners
This story has been updated and clarified in a post dated 16 April.
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission has asked the Australian Dental Association to remind members to adhere to the regulatory requirements for teeth whiteners. The ACCC allows the supply of teeth whitening products by dentists on patients under their direct care and supervision in their surgery. However the Commission does not permit dentists to supply teeth whitening kits for use by consumers at home. This constitutes the supply of a consumer good under the Competition and Consumer Act.
So far the ACCC has negotiated the voluntary recall of 22 do-it-yourself teeth whitening products, from eight different suppliers, that contained concentrations of peroxide bleaching agents that are unsafe for a DIY product. The ACCC seeks the withdrawal of teeth whitener products containing concentrations of more than 6% hydrogen peroxide or more than 18% carbamide peroxide because they are unsafe and should not be supplied to consumers. Safe limits for the active bleaching agents are based on the requirements of the Poisons Standard 2011, on expert clinical advice published by ADA, and on a scientific risk assessment published by the European Union's Scientific Committee on Consumer Products.
The ACCC says that consumers should be extremely cautious before undertaking any DIY teeth whitening treatment and are advised not to use such products unless they are marked with a safe percentage of bleaching agent. Consumers who have experienced any health effects when using teeth whiteners may file a report with the ACCC either by calling 1300 302 502 (8:30am to 9:00pm Monday-Friday) or by submitting an on-line form here.To view the recalled products, visit Product Safety Recalls Australia.
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission has asked the Australian Dental Association to remind members to adhere to the regulatory requirements for teeth whiteners. The ACCC allows the supply of teeth whitening products by dentists on patients under their direct care and supervision in their surgery. However the Commission does not permit dentists to supply teeth whitening kits for use by consumers at home. This constitutes the supply of a consumer good under the Competition and Consumer Act.
So far the ACCC has negotiated the voluntary recall of 22 do-it-yourself teeth whitening products, from eight different suppliers, that contained concentrations of peroxide bleaching agents that are unsafe for a DIY product. The ACCC seeks the withdrawal of teeth whitener products containing concentrations of more than 6% hydrogen peroxide or more than 18% carbamide peroxide because they are unsafe and should not be supplied to consumers. Safe limits for the active bleaching agents are based on the requirements of the Poisons Standard 2011, on expert clinical advice published by ADA, and on a scientific risk assessment published by the European Union's Scientific Committee on Consumer Products.
The ACCC says that consumers should be extremely cautious before undertaking any DIY teeth whitening treatment and are advised not to use such products unless they are marked with a safe percentage of bleaching agent. Consumers who have experienced any health effects when using teeth whiteners may file a report with the ACCC either by calling 1300 302 502 (8:30am to 9:00pm Monday-Friday) or by submitting an on-line form here.To view the recalled products, visit Product Safety Recalls Australia.
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