Groups Seek Ban on the Use Of Phthalates in Cosmetics
July 10, 2002
By JILL CARROLL
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
WASHINGTON — Three consumer and environmental groups released a study showing that certain chemicals linked to birth defects in animals are present in high levels in a number of toiletries, and called for banning their use in cosmetics.
The three organizations — the Environmental Working Group, Health Care Without Harm and Coming Clean — tested 72 products, including nail polish, hairspray, perfume and deodorant, for the chemicals, known as phthalates, and found that 52 products contained them at varying levels.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have said that there’s no evidence that phthalates in cosmetics present a health risk, but that more research needs to be done. In animals, phthalates (pronounced THA-layts) have been linked to birth defects of the male reproductive system.
The three advocacy groups called on the government to study the effects of exposure to phthalates , particularly in women. "We don’t have a regulatory system that has ever considered those cumulative exposures," said Charlotte Brody, a nurse and head of Health Care Without Harm, a Washington-based consumer-health advocacy group.
A panel of experts funded by the cosmetics industry is examining phthalates and will decide in about a year if they believe the chemicals pose a health hazard.
The cosmetics industry said it believes phthalates in cosmetics pose no problems. "There is no public-health concern [relating to] its use in cosmetics," said Gerald McEwen, vice president of science for the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association. "We think they are safe as we are using them in our products."
But if phthalates were found to be dangerous, companies would remove products containing them without government intervention, he said.
Phthalates have been used for decades in a wide variety of products from toys and medical equipment to making sure perfumes have the right smell. The biggest cosmetic product containing phthalates is nail polish. In the past phthalates were used extensively as plastics softeners in children’s toys and teethers. But manufacturers largely stopped using them for that purpose after pressure from consumer groups.
In 2000, a CDC report showed surprisingly high levels of certain types of phthalates in the population, despite the fact that the specific types aren’t used much in consumer products.