Beauty products contain toxic chemicals
numerous cosmetics contain toxic chemicals that can adversely affect human health. This was stated in a report Not Too Pretty released by Health Care Without Harm, a Washington DC-based environmental working group. The report is based on the first independent tests of over the counter products for phthalates -- a large family of industrial chemicals. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated that phthalates can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and the reproductive system.
During the tests, conducted on 72 brands sold in the us markets, it was found that Christian Dior's Poison perfume, Arrid Extra Extra Dry deodorant and Aqua Net hair spray are among many of the cosmetic products that contain phthalates. At least 52 of the 72 products tested contained phthalates but only one of these products listed phthalates on its label.
Many health experts find this alarming. "Because of lax labelling rules, we cannot know how many more beauty products contain phthalates," said Charlotte Brody, executive director of Health Care Without Harm. According to her, the consumers cannot be protected unless the manufacturers and governments are made responsible. "The government agencies and the cosmetic industry should stop pretending. We need public policies that recognise how exposures to such chemicals can adversely affect health," she said.
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