The filter material of
a true three-ply mask is made from plastics, such as polythene and
polypropylene. Hence when lit up, instead
of producing sparks, they melt. But if it is made from paper or a mixture of plastic
and paper, then there would be “some kind of fire”.
According to CNA, in
March 2020, The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) led
enforcement agencies from 90 countries to scour the Internet for fake medical
items. In one week, they uncovered around 600 cases of counterfeit surgical
masks sold online. It led to the seizure of 34,000 fake or sub-standard masks.
One of the countries
that is engaged actively in this operation is Malaysia. The problem of
counterfeit is now endemic. Fake masks are not only counterfeits in circulation
but has a health impact on Malaysians. Today, counterfeiters are targeting a
range of goods, from high-street beauty products — which can spark skin
allergies — to car spare parts, with implications on road safety.
Among the most
dangerous of these products are falsified medicines, of which an increasing
amount is being produced and sold in Southeast Asia. This was reported by the
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime last year. Every year, consumers in
the region spend an estimated US$520 million to US$2.6 billion on falsified
medicines. And it ranges from anti-cancer treatments to drugs for infertility
and weight loss.
According to Malaysian
pharmacist Zeff Tan, there are two types of counterfeit medicines. The first
type has no active pharmaceutical compound or contains the ingredients only
partially. “If you're taking counterfeit blood pressure medicine, your blood
pressure wouldn’t be well-regulated,” he said by way of example. “One tablet has
the compound; another tablet is a placebo. So, on one day, your pressure is
controlled; while on another day, it isn't controlled. You're risking your
life.”
Alcohol without proper processing
also has serious adverse effects on health. Properly produced and certified
alcoholic drinks are made with ethanol. Drinkaware’s Chief Medical Advisor
Professor Paul Wallace explains: “Commonly used substitutes for ethanol include
chemicals used in cleaning fluids, nail polish removers and automobile screen
wash, as well as methanol and isopropanol.” Drinking alcohol containing these
chemicals can cause nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness and
dizziness. Drinking it can also lead to kidney or liver problems and even
induce a coma. Methanol, the substance which has been found in fake vodka,
causes permanent blindness.
Many Malaysians are
price oriented. Hence the market for fake products. We as consumers should be
aware that fake products are dangerous to health. Buying cheap, especially a drug,
is worrisome.
And counterfeit alcohol with a discount of up to 80 per cent is not worth your
life. But some people don’t really bother whether it is real or fake and end up
dead. That’s not because we don’t have laws but just that enforcement is lax,
or corruption is rife.
Reference:
1.
From
face masks to alcohol, fake goods in Malaysia are putting lives in danger, 27
May 2020, CNA Insider
2.
The
dangers of fake alcohol https://www.alcoholandyouni.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment