Health

Nearly half the cosmetics we use contain toxic chemicals that are linked to a range of serious health problems.

PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been discovered in foundation creams, mascaras and lip products.

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame analysed more than 200 cosmetics, and discovered that 56 percent of the foundation creams, 48 percent of lip products and 47 percent of mascaras contained high levels of fluorine, a ‘red flag’ indicator of PFA use.

“PFAs is a persistent chemical.  When it gets into the bloodstream, it stays there and accumulates.  There’s also the additional risk of environmental contamination associated with the manufacture and disposal of these products, which could affect many more people,” said lead researcher Graham Peaslee.

Lax labelling laws means manufacturers don’t have to reveal the use of PFAs in their products.  But Prof Peaslee hopes the cosmetics industry responds in a similar responsible way as the food wrapper industry did in 2017 when he exposed the widespread use of PFAs in their products and they started to produce safer alternatives.

The chemicals—which have traditionally been used in non-stick cookware, fabrics and food wrappers—can cause kidney and testicular cancers, hypertension, thyroid disease, low birth weight and immune system toxicity in children.

(Source: Environmental Science & Technology Letters, 2021; doi: 10.1021/acs.estlett.1c00240)

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