"He's Been Using Brand 'X'"
Hmmm...:
Let's set aside the usual "this may really harm you so be afraid" news story and assume that the chemicals are really dangerous. Why isn't disclosure required? We have labels on our food. If we can have mandatory labels for things that go into our bodies, why can't we have mandatory labels for things that go onto (and sometimes into) our skin, hair and nails?
Besides, this seems a little familiar. Chemicals in our personal and beauty products that could potentially do us harm? Where have I seen something like that before?
Oh wait, I know!
(WTSP) -- You slather, spray, paint them on and rub them in. Cosmetics are so much a part of your daily regimen that you probably never think twice about them.
But at least some of what's in your cosmetics might not be so good for you. One example is the family of chemicals known as phthalates, which may be linked to developmental and reproductive health risks, says Steven Masley, M.D. with Carillon Executive Health.
The industry says phthalates are safe, but some companies have dropped them in response to public concern. Essie, OPI, and Sally Hansen, for example, are removing dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which is used to prevent chipping, from nail polishes. Other
big-name brands that have reformulated products to remove some phthalates include Avon, Cover Girl, Estee Lauder, L'Oreal, Max Factor, Orly, and Revlon.
You'll also find phthalates in other personal-care products, including body lotions, hair sprays, perfumes, and deodorants. The chemicals are used to help fragrances linger and take the stiffness out of hair spray, among other reasons. They're also in detergents, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and plastic toys. And they have turned up in our bodies.
Although phthalates show up in so many places, they're often absent from labels because disclosure is not always required.
Getting your nails done or spritzing on your favorite perfume obviously isn't going to kill you. But the health effects of regular long-term exposure, even to small amounts, are still unknown.
Let's set aside the usual "this may really harm you so be afraid" news story and assume that the chemicals are really dangerous. Why isn't disclosure required? We have labels on our food. If we can have mandatory labels for things that go into our bodies, why can't we have mandatory labels for things that go onto (and sometimes into) our skin, hair and nails?
Besides, this seems a little familiar. Chemicals in our personal and beauty products that could potentially do us harm? Where have I seen something like that before?
Oh wait, I know!
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