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In 2007, The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics selected over 30 lipsticks in four different cities and sent them for lead testing. Over one half came back with detectable levels of lead. One third had more lead than the FDA legally allowed. Among the brands containing lead were the cosmetic powerhouses L'Oreal, Cover Girl, and Christian Dior.
Lead is a known neurotoxin. Exposure to lead may result in brain damage, cancer, miscarriage and infertility and other various horrors.
Lead in Lipstick Might Not Be So Bad
From ABC News:
John Bailey of Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association:
I think the levels are actually quite low—trace levels—really not something that would present a cause for concern.
Even in tiny amounts, however, exposure to lead is a health concern.
Lead in Lipstick Might Be Really Bad
From the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics:
Mark Mitchell, M.D., MPH, president of the Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice:
Lead builds up in the body over time and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, can add up to significant exposure levels. The latest studies show there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Lead-free brands of lipstick include Josie Maran, Sukicolor, and Sante Matte Lipstick. These companies have signed the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics' Compact for Safe Cosmetics.
The average lipstick wearer will consume 9 pounds of lipstick in her lifetime. The last thing you need is poison in your pout.
More on Cosmetics:
How to Go Green: Natural Skin Care
How to Find Sunscreens that Really Protect the Skin Without Harmful Chemicals
Teenage Girls: Avoid these Hormone-Altering Cosmetics
Use Vinegar to Stretch Your Nail Polish Dollar
Green Celebrities Quiz
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com.
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