More than half the cosmetics sold in the U.S. contain toxic chemicals

More than half the cosmetics sold in the U.S. contain toxic chemicals

Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., pauses for reporters after a meeting of the House Democratic Caucus, Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. Dingell, who has sponsored several PFAS-related bills in the House, said she has looked for PFAS in her own makeup and lipstick, but could not see if they were present because the products were not properly labeled. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON (AP) — More than half the cosmetics sold in the United States and Canada are awash with a toxic industrial compound associated with serious health conditions, including cancer and reduced birth weight, according to a new study. Researchers at the University of Notre Dame tested more than 230 commonly used cosmetics and found that 56% of foundations and eye products, 48% of lip products and 47% of mascaras contained high levels of fluorine — an indicator of PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals” that are used in nonstick frying pans, rugs and countless other consumer products.

 

Photo: Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., pauses for reporters after a meeting of the House Democratic Caucus, Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. Dingell, who has sponsored several PFAS-related bills in the House, said she has looked for PFAS in her own makeup and lipstick, but could not see if they were present because the products were not properly labeled. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)