Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

http://www.safecosmetics.org

Face Paints Laced With Toxic Heavy Metals

Tuesday 27th of October 2009 13:06

    --  Ten out of 10 children's face paints contained lead ranging from 0.05 to
        0.65 parts per million (ppm). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
        Prevention recommends that parents avoid using cosmetics on their
        children that could be contaminated with lead.

    --  Six out of 10 children's face paints contained nickel, cobalt and/or
        chromium, which are top allergens in children. The metals were found at
        levels ranging from 1.6 to 120 ppm - many of them far exceeding industry
        safety recommendations of 1 ppm.

    --  Snazaroo Face Paint, labeled as "non-toxic" and "hypoallergenic,"
        contained some of the highest levels of lead, nickel and cobalt found in
        the study.

"Parents should not have to worry that face paint contains lead and other hazardous substances, and they have a right to know what's in these products. Clearly, companies are not making the safest products possible for children, even though kids are particularly vulnerable to toxic exposures," said Lisa Archer, national coordinator of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics at the Breast Cancer Fund.

"Lead and other hazardous chemicals have no place in face paints kids use for dress-up and play on Halloween or any other day of the year," said Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.). "Strengthening our cosmetics laws and providing ample resources are essential to ensure the FDA has the authority and tools it needs to protect the health of our children from chemicals in cosmetics."

To learn more about the study and for tips to limit your favorite goblin's toxic exposure this Halloween, see www.safecosmetics.org/prettyscary.

SOURCE Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

Source PR Newswire


www.prnewswire.co.uk

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