December 06, 2013 - 8:13 AM
TORONTO - Health Canada is warning consumers that some unlicenced hair removal devices sold on the Internet may pose a serious health risk, including significant eye damage and blindness.
The devices are being sold on a variety of websites, including eBay and Amazon.
The department says the devices can cause serious harm because of the intensity of the radiation they emit; they also lack sufficient safety features.
Health Canada says even momentary exposure to a direct or reflected beam could cause permanent eye damage and serious burns.
The devices in question are the SI-808 made by Carful Company Ltd. and the Epsil BSL-10 made by BNB Medical Co. Ltd.
Devices that are licenced for sale in this country can be found on Health Canada's searchable medical devices active licence listing database.
The products have been found for sale on a variety of websites, including eBay, Amazon, hisupplier.com, Carful Company Ltd., Ali Express, Honey Bay and Hareway. But they may be available elsewhere on the Internet, Health Canada says.
The department regulates laser and intense pulsed light devices under the Radiation Emitting Devices Act, the Medical Devices Regulations and the Food and Drugs Act.
The use of unlicenced lasers or intense pulsed light devices may harm your health as they have not been assessed against Health Canada's requirements for safety, effectiveness and quality, the department says.
Consumers who have health concerns related to the use of these devices should speak with their health-care professional.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2013