by Brenda Salgado, Breast Cancer Action’s new program manager.

These days, you may find me avidly studying the labels of products in my home or the local natural foods store. As a biologist, an activist, and hopefully a future mom, what I put in and on my body is of increasing concern to me. Most consumers would be surprised to learn the U.S. government does not require health studies or tests of cosmetics before they go to market.

So who regulates cosmetics? The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel, an industry committee, oversees the toxicity of ingredients in personal care products. Because testing is voluntary and controlled by the manufacturers, many ingredients in cosmetics are not safety-tested at all.

BCA’s Think Before You Pink campaign points out that many cosmetics contain phthalates and parabens even though they are known or suspected reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic toxins. Phthalates can be found in nail polish, perfumes, lotions, and solvents. Parabens are chemical preservatives found in nearly all personal care products.

The cosmetics industry is quick to point out that the chemicals in any one product are unlikely to cause harm. On a daily basis, however, we are exposed to multiple chemicals from many sources, including personal care products, household products, food, pesticides, air, water, and even medical products. Science is just starting to look at the cumulative effects of multiple chemical exposures, which may be more damaging together than individually.

Both the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Environment California released reports in June detailing everyday exposures to dangerous chemicals. EWG’s report, “Skin Deep”, investigates toxins in personal care products. A number of the products studied were found to contain ingredients certified by government authorities as known, probable, or possible human carcinogens.

Chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects do not belong in our personal care products. Period. Activists throughout California, across the United States, and around the world have championed victories on the chemicals-in-cosmetics front.

In January 2003, the European Parliament prohibited the use of chemicals that cause cancer or mutagenic or reproductive harm from use in cosmetics. Companies are already reformulating cosmetics for the European market, where these chemicals will be banned as of September 2004. Unfortunately, these same manufacturers have not pledged to sell the safer formulations in the United States, largely because they are not required to do so.

Thanks to activist efforts, however, Estée Lauder announced plans to eliminate phthalates from its MAC and Clinique nail polish lines, and Procter & Gamble promised to remove them from its Max Factor and Cover Girl nail polish lines.

In response to pressure from Follow the Money: An Alliance for Accountability in Breast Cancer (of which BCA is a member group) and BCA activists in particular, industry leader Avon has also pledged to remove one phthalate (dibutyl phthalate, or DBP) from its nail polishes. BCA holds one share of stock in Avon and has led successful shareholder activism efforts in conjunction with Trillium Asset Management, Domini Social Investment, and Walden Asset Management. At the past two annual shareholders meetings, BCA and its allies have submitted resolutions regarding phthalates and parabens. Days before this year’s meeting in May, Avon announced its plans to phase out the use of DBP.

California Assemblymember Judy Chu has introduced legislation (AB 2012), cosponsored by BCA, that will require—consistent with California’s Proposition 65 listing—full ingredient disclosure of all cosmetics chemicals that cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. It will also prohibit certain phthalates in personal care products.

Though these safeguards may seem sensible and logical, the collective strength of many is needed to achieve them. Together we can make our voices heard. After all, our health depends on it.

TAKE ACTION: Contact Brenda Salgado at bsalgado@bcaction.org or call toll-free, 877/278-6722, ext. 14, to find out how you can support local and national legislation that works to reduce our exposure to toxins.

Write to the companies of products you currently use to tell them about your concerns. Visit the Think Before You Pink web site for more ways to take action.

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