Fake tan may lead to cancer and infertility

Fake tan users can be struck with fertility problems and cancer, owing to presence of toxins in cosmetics, European Environment Agency revealed.

These fake products can also cause skin irritations, and toxins released by them may lead to allergies, diabetes, obesity and fertility problems.

The agency said fake tanning products have an active ingredient in dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the amino acids on the skin to turn it brown.

When it is sprayed on to the body, it is often inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream. Scientists claim it could damage DNA and cause tumours.

The effects are thought to be more worrying than for other cosmetics because it is applied over the whole body regularly, which the agency warned.

According to the agency, the harmful ingredients, such as carcinogens including formaldehyde and nitrosamines, can also lead to hormone-disruption which can harm babies – as well.

According to ANI, the.European Environment Agency executive director Jacqueline McGlade was quoted by the The Sun as saying that it it would be better to take a preemptive precautionary approach to many of these chemicals until their effects are more fully understood.

"They may be a contributing factor behind the significant increases in cancers, diabetes and obesity and falling fertility. It’s the cocktail effect," said McGlade.

Fake tan product sales account for more than £100m yearly in UK alone and are the fastest-growing area in cosmetic sales.