Your Lipstick May Contain Lead
33 brand name lipsticks were tested and over 60% of them contained detectable amounts of lead.
Since lipstick is put on the mouth and some of it is ingested there is obvious concern.
A somewhat shocking part of the study revealed that over one third of the name brands contained an amount of lead that exceeded the FDA's 0.1 ppm - parts per million limit for lead in candy, a measurement used to protect children that may ingest lead.
39% percent of the brands tested had no lead. This study is alarming, and of course some of the companies mentioned are not making a big deal out of it. One of the companies was reported to say that the "amount of lead from it's lip product is a hundred times less than eating, breathing and drinking water"...
While the statement is probably true, considering that lead is measured in parts PER MILLION, a hundred times less lead is not very assuring. Of course, none of the brands listed lead as an ingredient.
What's even more interesting is that some more expensive brands contained even more lead than some of the less expensives ones, so price is not a factor.
Lead exposure is very dangerous to health... especially to younger children and pregnant women. Since many women apply lipstick several times a day, long term exposure to measurable amounts of lead is a concern. According to the report "lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems such as lowered IQ, reduced school performance and increased aggression. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure. Lead easily crosses the placenta and enters the fetal brain where it can interfere with normal development. Lead has also been linked to infertility and miscarriage."
What were the name brands with the highest amounts of lead?
According to the report among the top brands testing positive for lead [that that exceeded the FDA's 0.1 ppm for candy] were:
-L'Oreal Colour Riche "True Red" - 0.65 ppm
-L'Oreal Colour Riche "Classic Wine" - 0.58 ppm
-Cover Girl Incredifull Lipcolor "Maximum Red" - 0.56 ppm
-Dior Addict "Positive Red" - 0.21 ppm
If you use any of the name brands mentioned or any brands with lead, this may be a good time to google organic lipsticks.
Read the press release from Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Download the report
Read the FAQ about lead in lipsticks
Published by Zig Noda
www.Compuwisdom.com www.ZigNoda.com View profile
- Understanding Lead Poisoning and Signs and Symptoms of Lead PoisoningLead poisoning is most dangerous to small children because it can get into their bodies and affect the developing brain and organs. Lead exposure occurs when too much lead builds up in the body over a period of time.
- Is There Lead in Your Lipstick?More than half (61%) of the lipsticks tested by an independent laboratory, for The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics, had detectable levels of lead.
Cosmetics Could Be Harmful to Your Health: What Every Woman Needs to KnowPhthalates have been banned in cosmetics in the EU, but the U.S. is still holding out largely in part to pressure from large corporations and the lack of testing on humans.- Are Your Cosmetics Dangerous for Your Health?Hundreds of beauty companies have pledge to remove toxic chemicals from their products. But just the other day, US Marshals seized more than 12 thousands units of an eyelash product that may cause vision problems.
- Lead in Lipstick Gives Metal Mouth a New MeaningAlthough lead has officially been detected in several major brands of lipstick, there are several natural brands that have no toxins for luscious lips without the heavy metal.
- Study: Many Popular Lipsticks Contain High Levels of Lead
- Does Your Red Lipstick Contain Lead?
- Danger! Christmas Trees Contain Lead!
- The Dangers of Lead Poisoning in Lead Crystal and How it Might Have Affected Royal...
- Lead: The Hidden Danger in Holiday Lights
- Toy Recalls and Lead Poisoning
- Does Your Lipstick Contain Lead?