Informe del Comité Científico de la Agencia Española de Consumo, Seguridad Alimen- taria y Nutrición (AECOSAN), sobre fotodepiladores domésticos

Abstract

This scientific report by the Scientific Committee (Consumer Affairs Section) of the Spanish Agency for Consumer Affairs, Food Safety and Nutrition (AECOSAN) evaluates the usage risk of home pho- toepilators. It analyses the potential adverse effects (direct and indirect) and sociological aspects of their use. Based on the scientific and technical information available, the scientific committee concludes that is not possible to analyse the safety of using these devices. There is a shortage of data from scientific and technical studies into the potential direct and indirect risks of short- and long-term exposure to the different classes/types of home photoepilators, the potential to develop reactions due to photosensitivity, or other adverse effects of exposure to volatile, potentially har- mful substances released during the process of body hair removal. The Committee considers it appropriate for the competent authorities to assess the need for par- ties marketing these devices to carry out scientific and technical studies evaluating the direct and indirect risks resulting from short- and long-term exposure to different classes/types of home pho- toepilators in order to be able to evaluate the safety of using them. Although these devices are covered by several legislative, regulatory and administrative provi- sions, the existing legal framework is not sufficient to guarantee the safety of these devices before, during and after use. In the view of this Scientific Committee, there is also a lack of harmonised legislation for all technologies involved in this group of devices; the Committee suggests revising the existing regulations by developing specific legislation for this type of device, particularly home versions.