Hidden Dangers: Child Labor Fuels Counterfeit Goods Trade

Hidden Dangers: Child Labor Fuels Counterfeit Goods Trade A recent ARD Mediathek report exposes the grim reality behind the production of counterfeit brand-name goods. The video reveals a clandestine factory where a 14-year-old boy works without proper safety equipment, earning a meager 100 euros a day. "I started working when I was 11," the boy says, highlighting the exploitation of child labor in the industry. A chemist interviewed in the report confirms the presence of toxic chemicals, stating, "These substances, when in direct contact with the skin, can be absorbed and cause allergies." The report underscores the health risks to workers and consumers, urging greater vigilance against the purchase of counterfeit products. The investigation serves as a stark reminder of the hidden costs and ethical compromises behind seemingly cheap alternatives.