Lack of Safety Testing Disturbing
Missoulian
Women's Voices for the Earth
September 21, 2009
Thanks to Beth Schenk for writing the great article "Beware Beauty Products" in the Sept. 15 Missoulian about toxic chemicals in personal care products. It's logical to think that your favorite shampoo, deodorant or cosmetics have been tested for safety before they are allowed on the market, but that's actually far from the truth.
Of the 12,500 chemicals used in cosmetics, only 11 percent have been evaluated for safety. For comparison, the European Union bans 1,100 chemicals from use in cosmetics because of health concerns; the U.S. has banned a total of 11. This statistic is all the more disturbing given the fact that certain chemicals commonly found in personal care products have been linked to cancer, reproductive harm and endocrine disruption.