Risks : Danger to health

We all face risks every day of our lives. Some risks are too trivial to mention whilst others such as crossing the road for instance become instinctive after a time. Whilst lending something to a friend can hardly be considered a risk, lending money to a stranger definitely is. It's a matter of everyday judgment that counts and if you find that you are offered something that seems amazing value it's best to stand back for a minute and analyse why this is so.

Counterfeit products can and do pose a danger to health and safety.

One of the main reasons that Brand Owners want to protect their products from pirates is that of security and not wanting to harm their customers. Medicines and drugs for instance all contain high quality specific ingredients in controlled doses.

Pirates often copy drugs and medicines by substituting other ingredients that are cheaper and untested. In many cases such 'ingredients' are water or talcum powder. This may not be harmful if they are taken through the mouth but can kill if they are injected.

Medications purchased through reputable sources such as Pharmacy's are not in question but those purchased through the internet are often questionable.

Whilst counterfeit drugs undoubtedly have the potential to kill other pirate products merely cause temporary harm.

Counterfeit washing powder for instance can be harmful to skin and counterfeit toys have been know to harm children.

More worryingly a tendency to copy automobile parts such as brake pads, tyres and shock absorbers has led to failure and accidents.

Clothing and textiles too suffer from the attention of counterfeiters. In these cases it is the use of underage labour and poor working conditions that should concern buyers of such goods. Both Governments and Unions have fought for centuries to ensure fair pay and safe working conditions for employees. Suppliers of Pirate products have no such concern for their staff.