In recent years, the Labour Inspection Department has repeatedly warned that certain aerosol products, commonly known as sprays, should not be sold to consumers—especially children—during carnival events. According to official statements, these products “contain substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic.”
Despite these warnings, images from past carnival parades indicate that the message has not fully reached the public. While legislation requires that decorative sprays (including foams, streamers, and glitter) carry labels stating “for professional use only,” they are still widely purchased by consumers, often resulting in participants literally being “covered” in their contents.
During a parliamentary Environmental Committee meeting last Wednesday, it was revealed that some merchants, seeking to bypass sales restrictions, have begun importing products with new propellants. Though these chemicals comply with EU limits, they are equally harmful to human health when misused in uncontrolled settings such as carnival parades. The news reportedly stunned the committee, according to a post by Committee Chair Charalambos Theopemptou on platform X.
Municipalities, which organise parades and carnival events each year, requested further guidance on the risks and potential legislative measures to safely plan the 2026 events. Following the committee discussion, several municipalities announced they will refuse permits to street vendors selling such products during next year’s parades.
However, experts warn that this alone may not solve the problem, as sprays are available at multiple retail outlets, including kiosks, supermarkets, and open-air stalls. “These products comply with regulations, including labels warning that they are flammable and intended for professional use, but they are being misused,” explained a chemist familiar with the issue. “When crowds douse majorettes or children gargle foam, it is clearly not professional use.”
The Limassol Cyprus Girl Guides Association (SCO) participating in the discussion announced that private security will be employed during the next parade to prevent sprays being targeted at performers. Such misuse not only poses health risks but also damages costumes and musical instruments.
The Environmental Committee has requested recommendations from the relevant authorities to draft legislative measures protecting public health. In the meantime, the Labour Inspection Department urges consumers to exercise extreme caution, particularly when products may be handled by children.