Cosmetics: Cause for alarm?
2002-07-16 12:16
Washington - Many consumer beauty products contain phthalates - potentially harmful chemicals that have been found to cause birth defects, according to a new study released on Wednesday.
Three organisations: The Environmental Working Group, Coming
Clean, and Health Care without Harm, contracted a national
laboratory to test 72 products, including popular fragrances,
make-up and deodorants.
The study, called "Not Too Pretty", found phthalates in 52, or 72 percent, of the products and that 11 products contained more than one phthalate - surprising researchers with the ubiquity of the phthalates.
"Chemicals that can damage the development and future fertility of babies don't belong in products marketed to women," said Bryony Schwanm, co-ordinator of the Coming Clean campaign.
A large family of industrial chemicals often used as a plastic
softener and solvent, phthalates have been found to cause
testicular atrophy in men, with animal testing revealing a wide
range of birth defects and reproductive impairment.
Five percent of women of reproductive age - about two million
in the United States - could have 20 times more phthalates than
the normal average, according to one Centres for Disease Control
study whose findings surprised researchers.
The chemicals were found in products including Christian Dior's Poison, Arrid Extra Extra Dry deodorant, Aqua Net Hair Spray, and Maybelline Super Shine Nail Gloss. - Sapa/AFP
- SAPA