Half of U.S. cosmetics contain toxic chemicals

More than half of the cosmetics sold in the U.S. and Canada contain dangerous chemicals linked to serious diseases.

A new study claims that these diseases include cancer and weight loss in newborn babies.

Cosmetics are substances that are applied to the face or body to improve appearance. Another name for cosmetics is makeup.

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana tested more than 230 commonly used cosmetics. They found that 56 percent of foundations and eye products, 48 percent of lip products and 47 percent of mascaras contain fluoride.

The Associated Press recently reported the story and explained fluoride as follows.

Fluoride is an irritant gaseous chemical element. Fluoride is also an indicator of so-called “everlasting chemicals,” called PFAS, spelled P-F-A-S. Man-made PFAS molecules contain fluoride and are used in some cooking containers, flooring and many other products.

Some of the highest levels of PFAS have been found in water-resistant mascara and persistent lipstick.

The researchers further tested 29 products that were found to contain elevated levels of fluoride. The researchers found that they contained four to 13 specific PFAS chemicals. However, only one of the products tested listed PFAS as an ingredient on its packaging.

Cosmetics in the country are overseen by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. An FDA spokesman said the FDA does not comment on specific studies. On its Web site, the FDA said few studies have been done on the amount of chemicals in cosmetics. And published studies generally show very low levels of chemicals. The FDA website also notes that such low levels are unlikely to cause harm.

A fact sheet published on the agency’s website states, “As the science of PFAS in cosmetics continues to evolve,” the FDA will continue to analyze data from the cosmetics industry as well as published studies.

PFAS chemicals are a growing concern for lawmakers seeking to control their use in consumer products. The results of the study were announced after a group of U.S. senators introduced a bill to ban PFAS in cosmetics and other cosmetic products.

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