China's Ministry of Health has banned the sale and use of eight hair gel products that contain excessive and harmful methanol content.

The ministry conducted a sample survey on hair gel products sold on wholesale markets and in cosmetic and barber shops, and found that eight hair gel products, manufactured by five companies in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, and three companies in north China's Tianjin Municipality, containing higher than allowable methanol levels.

Those companies on the blacklist are Guangzhou Lairun Cosmetic Co. Ltd., Tianjin Xinli Factory, Guangzhou Darong Co. Ltd., Tianjin Miaoli Factory, Guangzhou Boqian Co. Ltd., Guangzhou Fage Co. Ltd., Tianjin Xingfa Co. Ltd. and Guangzhou Yibeishi Cosmetic Factory.

The names of the companies and their problematic products were disclosed on the website of the Ministry of Health, www.moh.gov.cn.

People repeatedly exposed to methanol can experience several adverse effects ranging from headaches to sleep disorders and gastrointestinal problems to optic nerve damage, said experts.

The ministry banned sales of the problematic products and required local health departments to strengthen supervision on the companies and trace the problematic products to sales outlets.

(Xinhua News Agency August 4, 2007)