http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/americas/newsid_1667000/1667631.stm
US warns bio-terror 'cure' websites
Websites have a week to stop selling unproven bio-terror treatments
By BBC News Online's Kevin Anderson
With anthrax spores still being discovered in Washington
Congressional offices, a worried public continues to look for ways to
protect themselves.
Hundreds of websites have sprung up selling everything from
mail sterilisers to oregano oil to prevent and treat illnesses such as
anthrax.
But now the US Government is cracking down on dozens of
websites that it claims are selling unproven products to counter
bio-terrorism threats.
The Federal Trade Commission has sent some 40 e-mails to the
operators of such websites, telling them to stop marketing such products
or face prosecution.
'Disturbing sites'
The FTC, the Food and Drug Administration, the California
Department of Health Services and the offices of more than 30 state
attorneys-general scoured the web for sites selling products that
claimed to protect or counter biological and chemical agents.
The internet search uncovered more than 200 sites marketing
bio-terrorism related products including gas masks, protective suits,
mail sterilizers, biohazard test kits, homeopathic remedies and
dietary supplements.
The sites are claiming that dietary supplements such as
colloidal silver, zinc mineral water, thyme and oregano oil are
effective treatments for illnesses such as anthrax.
But the FTC said it was aware of no scientific proof for such
claims. And John Taylor with the Food and Drug Administration's Office
of Enforcement said that no products being marketed as dietary
supplements had proven safe and effective in the treatment of anthrax.
"Together with the FTC, we've found quite a number of
disturbing sites," Mr Taylor said. "Companies marketing unapproved or
otherwise misbranded products for anthrax or other diseases run a very
high risk of FDA
enforcement or regulatory action."
The FTC said that opportunistic online marketers are preying on
the fears of the public.
"This marketing targets people worried about the prospect of
exposure to lethal biological or chemical weapons," said Howard Beales,
the FTC's Director of Consumer Protection.
And the US Government is working with state and local
authorities to close down sites that are using worries over
bio-terrorism to make money selling ineffective products.
Washington Attorney-General Christine Gregoire said state
attorneys-general "will not stand by while website operators capitalise
on public fears by selling products that offer no protection."
Buyer beware
Not all homeopathic or alternative medicine websites are trying
to market alternative therapies to anthrax.
The Washington Homeopathic Products website instructs people
who believe that they have been exposed to anthrax to see a licensed
healthcare provider immediately.
And the president of the National Centre for Homeopathy, Todd
Rowe, counselled people to avoid panic. Echoing the warnings of
government officials, he said "the internet is full of books and
products capitalising on this fear".
But the FTC said the public should be aware of online marketers
peddling miracle treatments and cures including exotic potions and
pills, special curative diets, and strange magnetic or electrical
devices.
They stressed that the only known effective treatment for
anthrax and smallpox are approved prescription drugs and vaccines, and
they urged the public to consult their health care professional before
taking any medications.
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