Why
Buy Organic?
 If
you knew your COSMETICS were putting you at RISK for
BREAST CANCER wouldn’t you change them?
FACT: A compound in cosmetics products has been banned by the
European Union for its links to cancer and fetal deformities. US
Health Advocates are pushing for a similar ban here and are
challenging all cosmetic companies to comply. (By Molly Ginty, News
Correspondent)
So what is this compound? The compounds are
phthalates (pronounced THA-laytes) DPB and they help
cosmetics adhere to the skin without smudging. The Cosmetic Industry
Safety Panel determined that cosmetic companies can continue to add
these reproductive toxins to cosmetics marketed to women of childbearing
age. In addition, further study of other suspect ingredients:
parabens, formaldehyde and coal
tars have also been linked to cancer. Astonishingly, 1/3 of
products tested contained one or more ingredients that are known,
probable or possible
Human carcinogens.
 According
to Breast Cancer Action, many cosmetic companies are sending mixed
messages as they claim to be large corporate supporters of the breast
cancer cause. To name a few……………………
- AVON markets itself as “the company for women.” Many
products contain parabens, according to its own
Website. However, AVON will be removing dibutyl phthalates from its
product lines and is applauded for this first step.
- REVLON sponsors an annual Run/Walk for Women’s Cancer
Research, meanwhile “The safe shoppers bible” and
the Skin Deep Report warns of several carcinogenic
ingredients in several REVLON products. Over 80% of the REVLON
products tested in the Skin Deep Report were rated 7.2 or higher
(products were rated 0 – 10 based on health concerns associated with
their ingredients). REVLON High Dimension 10 minute permanent hair
colored scored a 9.6 and contains both known and suspected
carcinogens.
- ESTEE LAUDER states its mission as “prevention and a cure
in a lifetime” sponsoring many breast cancer efforts, yet their
products contain parabens and phthalates with the exception of a
recent reformulation to remove phthalates from their Clinique and MAC
nail polish only.
- MARY KAY is “committed to eliminating cancers affection
women” however they do not make it easy for consumers to find out if
its products contain harmful ingredients. There product guide with
ingredients is houses on a part of their website restricted to MARY
KAY sellers only. Also, in 2004 Breast Cancer Action co-sponsored
important California legislation (AB 2010) regarding the public right
to know about carcinogenic and reproductive toxins in cosmetic and
personal care products. MARY KAY was a vocal opponent of the bill.
 Representatives
of the billion dollar cosmetic industry are balking at the proposed ban.
Controversy surrounds the safety level for the phthalate exposure.
Currently set at 2,800 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, this is a
threshold that many critics say is too high. While others say it is an
acceptable level of hazardous chemical. The cosmetic industry does not
have to list phthalates on ingredient labels, so the general public has
no idea of their amount if exposure and they may be using 10 or 20 of
these products a day, and the cumulative exposure is going to add up.
Most consumers would be surprised to learn that the government does not
require health studies or pre-market testing for cosmetics and other
personal care products before they are sold. Educate yourself and see if
your cosmetics are putting you or your children at risk!!
For more information:
Breast Cancer Action—Think before you pink
http://www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org/
Because We’re Worth IT!:
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
http://www.safecosmetics.org/
The Environmental Working Group
Skin Deep, a report on the safety of cosmetics and personal care
products (June 2004)
http://www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep/
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