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SMGN Health Department
Lip Stick Lead in Over HALF OF BRANDS - Never Mind THE Facts, what matters is Perception
10/12/2007
Reuters reported today and yesterday on a study by Bodycote Testing Group in Santa Fe Spring, California, which found that 61 percent of 33 brands had detectable lead levels of 0.03 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm).
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a consumer rights group, is taking it to the press that over half of lip stick brands contain toxic lead. Again, the news is reaching the public as a top story, which they intend to turn into controversy - using the fact that the FDA doesn't regulate it, even though it is ingested "like candy." And pointing out that one third of the lip sticks in the study exceed the 0.1 ppm limit the FDA sets on candy.
Stacy Malkan, the groups co-founder, also stated "it's critical that manufacturers reformulate their product."
Grocers will also have to react, possibly pulling some brands off the shelves until changes are made, whether or not the actual levels of lead are a real threat. It's public perception that matters. Names published in the news include L'Oreal, Cover Girl, and Christian Dior.
Proctor and Gamble and other manufacurers are taking a defensive stance, standing behind the current FDA approval.
The latest studies show there is no safe level of lead exposure," said Dr. Mark Mitchell, president of the Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice.
Revlon, which is less expensive yet high in recognition, is already said to be lead free. Not a bad time to hike the price and put out signs saying "Lead free Revlon sold here."
Other lesser known brands, regular or unleaded, aren't making the news. To receive a copy of the full report contact Bodycote at
Santa Fe Springs
9840 Alburtis Ave.
Santa Fe Springs, CA
90670
1.866.BODYCOT(e)
sales@bodycotetesting.com