Health and public safety expert Justice Bilson has called for stronger regulation of cosmetics, aphrodisiacs, medicines and other chemical-based products on the Ghanaian market, warning that inadequate controls could expose consumers to potentially harmful substances.
Speaking in an interview on Ahotor 92.3 FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show with Nana Dogbe, Mr Bilson raised concerns about the chemicals used in some cosmetic products, including makeup and body creams, as Ghana joins the rest of the world to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
He urged consumers to exercise caution when selecting personal care products and called on the relevant authorities to strengthen checks on imported cosmetics to ensure that products sold on the Ghanaian market meet appropriate safety standards.
According to him, Ghana needs more effective systems to assess the safety of products entering the country and prevent the sale of potentially harmful substances. He expressed concern that consumers may unknowingly purchase products whose ingredients or long-term health effects they do not fully understand.
Concerns over chemicals in cosmetics
Mr Bilson cited several chemicals that he believes require closer scrutiny in cosmetic products, including benzene and chromium, alongside other substances he mentioned during the interview.
He warned that exposure to certain hazardous chemicals can pose health risks, depending on the substance, the level of exposure and the duration of contact. He therefore called for stronger product testing, clearer labelling and improved public education.
However, claims that particular cosmetic ingredients cause breast cancer require scientific verification. The presence of a chemical in a product does not, by itself, establish that the product causes cancer.
Calls for stronger controls on imported products
The health and public safety expert also questioned the regulation of medicines, agricultural chemicals and other products sold in Ghana.
He claimed that some products restricted or banned in other countries could still be available on the Ghanaian market. He called for closer monitoring of imports and stronger enforcement of safety standards to protect consumers.
Mr Bilson further raised concerns about the use of weedkillers and other agricultural chemicals, urging farmers and the public to follow safety instructions and avoid unnecessary exposure.
Warning over environmental hazards
On environmental safety, Mr Bilson cautioned about exposure to hydrogen sulphide, a hazardous gas that can occur in sewage systems, certain industrial environments and oil and gas operations.
He said people living or working near potentially hazardous sites should take appropriate precautions. Hydrogen sulphide can be toxic, particularly at high concentrations, and may cause serious illness or death. Its characteristic rotten-egg smell is not a reliable warning at dangerous concentrations because the sense of smell can become impaired.
He also warned against inhaling smoke from mosquito coils in poorly ventilated rooms, urging users to follow product instructions and maintain adequate ventilation.
Aphrodisiacs and sexual health
Mr Bilson advised men experiencing sexual health challenges to seek medical assessment rather than relying on unverified aphrodisiacs.
He cautioned that some products marketed to improve sexual performance may contain undisclosed or potentially harmful ingredients and could pose health risks, particularly for people with underlying medical conditions or those taking other medicines.
He encouraged men to consult qualified health professionals for appropriate assessment and treatment, adding that self-medication could expose users to avoidable complications.
Cassava preparation and public health
The expert also highlighted the need for proper cassava preparation, explaining that cassava naturally contains cyanogenic compounds that can release cyanide if the crop is not processed adequately.
He urged the public to observe appropriate preparation methods to reduce the risk of poisoning.
Mr Bilson called for greater public awareness of chemical and product safety, alongside stronger regulatory oversight, to help protect consumers and communities from preventable health hazards.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe