OKLAHOMA CITY –
Designer dupes and counterfeit luxury goods have exploded in popularity, especially on social media
While they may look nearly identical to the real thing, experts say some knockoffs could contain hazardous chemicals
News 9’s Madison Jones explains that investigations and government testing have raised concerns that some counterfeit and low-cost products may contain chemicals including lead, cadmium and PFAS, often called “forever chemicals.”
Lead can damage the brain and nervous system
Cadmium has been linked to kidney damage, while PFAS can build up in the body over time
The concerns aren’t limited to handbags
Some fast fashion products have also come under scrutiny after being flagged for elevated levels of chemicals used to make clothing wrinkle resistant or cheaper to produce
Experts say counterfeit products don’t just copy a brand’s name. They may also skip important product testing, safety oversight and quality control
How can you spot a potentially risky product?
Consumer experts recommend watching for:
- Strong chemical odors
- No clear labeling
- No manufacturer information
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- Who made it?
- Where was it tested?
- Why is it so inexpensive?
Experts also recommend buying directly from reputable retailers and checking product labels whenever possible
They also say if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is
Madison Jones
Cassidy Mudd
