In a recent evaluation conducted by the Consumer Council, mosquito repellents available on the Hong Kong market underwent rigorous testing to assess their effectiveness and safety. The findings revealed significant discrepancies in performance and potential risks for consumers, with an alarming discovery that 1 out of every 25 tested samples actually lured mosquitoes instead of repelling them.
As the summer months bring about increased mosquito activity, these findings are particularly concerning for individuals seeking reliable solutions to combat these relentless pests. The evaluation encompassed a diverse range of repellents, varying in price from HK$18.9 to HK$259, and comprising both synthetic and natural ingredients.
Among the repellents tested, those containing DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) and picaridin stood out for their high efficacy, demonstrating over 96% effectiveness for up to four hours after application. However, the study also highlighted potential irritations to the skin and mucous membranes associated with high concentrations of DEET, particularly among children, emphasizing the need for cautious usage.
On the other hand, natural or "herbal" repellents produced more inconsistent results. Surprisingly, one product named "Cherub Rubs," priced at HK$208, was found to attract mosquitoes within an hour of application. This discovery not only questions the effectiveness of certain natural repellents but also raises concerns about consumer misinformation and the reliability of marketing claims within the repellent industry.
The evaluation further exposed inconsistencies and omissions in product labeling, which could potentially mislead consumers regarding the ingredients and appropriate usage of the repellents. Some products exhibited disparities between the listed ingredients on the packaging and the actual contents, while others lacked comprehensive ingredient lists and usage instructions. These labeling discrepancies hinder consumers' ability to make informed choices, especially when it comes to selecting products suitable for children.
In response to these findings, the Consumer Council has called for clearer regulatory guidelines regarding the labeling and safety standards for mosquito repellents. Standardized tests and precise definitions of what constitutes an effective repellent are urgently needed. Notably, the manufacturer of "Cherub Rubs" clarified that their product is primarily an outdoor moisturizer with some repellent properties, underscoring the importance of accurate product representation.
Furthermore, the council emphasized the significance of consumer education in the selection and proper use of repellents. Given the varying efficacy of products, particularly those labeled as natural, consumers must critically assess repellent claims while considering their specific needs and the potential exposure to mosquito-borne diseases.
As the Consumer Council strives to protect consumers and promote their well-being, it is crucial for regulators, manufacturers, and consumers to work together in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of mosquito repellents. By addressing these concerns, individuals can make informed choices and effectively safeguard themselves against the persistent threat of mosquitoes.
消费者监督机构发现令人不安的趋势：每 25 种驱虫剂样品中就有 1 种会吸引蚊子
消费者委员会最近进行的一项评估中，香港市场上出售的驱蚊剂均经过严格测试，以评估其有效性和安全性。 研究结果揭示了性能上的显着差异以及对消费者的潜在风险，并令人震惊地发现每 25 个测试样品中有 1 个实际上会引诱而不是驱除蚊子。
由于夏季蚊子活动增加，这些发现对于寻求可靠解决方案来对抗这些无情害虫的个人来说尤其令人担忧。 此次评估涵盖了多种驱虫剂，价格从 18.9 港元到 259 港元不等，并包含合成和天然成分。
在测试的驱虫剂中，含有避蚊胺（N,N-二乙基间甲苯酰胺）和派卡瑞丁的驱虫剂因其高效性而脱颖而出，在使用后长达 4 小时内的驱虫效果超过 96%。 然而，该研究还强调了高浓度避蚊胺对皮肤和粘膜的潜在刺激，特别是对于儿童，强调需要谨慎使用。
另一方面，天然或“草药”驱虫剂产生的结果更加不一致。 令人惊奇的是，一款名为“Cherub Rubs”的产品售价为港币208元，使用后一小时内就被发现能吸引蚊子。 这一发现不仅对某些天然驱虫剂的有效性提出了质疑，而且还引起了人们对消费者错误信息和驱虫剂行业内营销声明可靠性的担忧。
该评估进一步暴露了产品标签中的不一致和遗漏，这可能会误导消费者关于驱虫剂的成分和正确使用方法的信息。 一些产品包装上列出的成分与实际内容之间存在差异，而另一些产品则缺乏全面的成分列表和使用说明。 这些标签差异阻碍了消费者做出明智选择的能力，特别是在选择适合儿童的产品时。
针对这些调查结果，消费者委员会呼吁就驱蚊剂的标签和安全标准制定更明确的监管指南。 迫切需要对有效驱虫剂的构成进行标准化测试和精确定义。 值得注意的是，“Cherub Rubs”的制造商澄清说，他们的产品主要是一种具有一定驱虫性能的户外保湿霜，强调了准确产品展示的重要性。
此外，该委员会还强调了消费者教育在选择和正确使用驱虫剂方面的重要性。 鉴于产品功效各异，尤其是那些标有天然成分的产品，消费者必须严格评估驱虫剂声明，同时考虑自己的具体需求以及接触蚊媒疾病的潜在风险。
由于消费者委员会致力于保护消费者并促进他们的福祉，因此监管机构、制造商和消费者共同努力确保驱蚊剂的安全性和有效性至关重要。 通过解决这些问题，个人可以做出明智的选择，并有效地保护自己免受蚊子的持续威胁。
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