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Make-up for children is not without danger… In the United States, at least, as revealed by a new study covering no less than 200 surveys. Most children under the age of 12 would use potentially toxic makeup products, exposing them from an early age to lead, asbestos and other health-damaging chemicals.
A bit of gloss, some glitter, and why not a little touch of nail polish… Children rarely hesitate to do like the grown-ups, especially when it comes to applying make-up. A game that does not pay mine, at first sight, but which could prove to be more harmful than one thinks. This is the finding of a study conducted by scientists from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, in collaboration with the non-profit association Earthjustice, which is based on no less than 200 surveys. She reveals that most American children use makeup and body products “likely to contain carcinogens and other toxic chemicals”.
Make-up: a game very popular with children
Posted in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, this work first tells us that more than three-quarters of the parents taken into account in the study (79%) affirm that their children aged 12 and under regularly or occasionally use make-up products or products for the body specifically marketed for children. This can range from paint to temporary tattoos, glitter, gloss, lip sticks, self-adhesive jewelry, eye shadow, nail polish, or even hair sprays.
In detail, more than half of the children surveyed (54%) use make-up and body products formulated for children at least once a month, while 12% use them every day, and this for eight hours or more in a row in 20% of cases. A third of the children also said they had already involuntarily ingested this type of product during the past year. A finding that requires the use of safe products, and without any danger, for the public concerned.
Lead, asbestos, phthalates…
However, this is not what the authors of thestudy, building on previous research. Which revealed that these products, although intended for a young audience, ‘often’ contain toxic chemical substances ranging from lead to asbestos via perfluoroalkyl substances, phthalates, or even formaldehyde. Chemicals that, for some, are associated with an increased risk of cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, and other ‘serious’ health harms.
“It is alarming that the industry is allowed to sell makeup and body products to children that contain extremely toxic chemicals. The findings of this study can help federal agencies better understand how children use these products. and hopefully spur agencies to take action to protect children from toxic chemical exposures.Unfortunately, at present, little is being done at the federal level to protect children from toxic chemicals in [ces produits]”explains Lakendra Barajas, lawyer for Earthjustice.
Remarks supported by Julie Herbstman, lead author of the study: “Children are particularly vulnerable to health risks associated with chemicals often found in makeup and body products. In addition to dermal exposure, behavioral patterns such as hand-to-mouth activity can increase exposure to produced by involuntary ingestion. In addition, children’s small stature, rapid growth rate, developing tissues and organs, and immature immune systems make them biologically susceptible to the effects of toxic substances.”.
What about European regulations?
In 2014, the consumer association UFC-Que Choisir also highlighted the presence of harmful compounds in certain make-up and disguise products intended for children, calling for a strengthening of European regulations. Four years later, The federation of beauty companies (FEBEA) wanted to be reassuring on the subject… provided you follow a few basic rules. “Make-up products for children are considered to be both cosmetics and toys. They must therefore imperatively comply with two European regulations: one relating to cosmetic products and the other to toys. This double requirement constitutes a strong guarantee for consumers to find safe products for their children”can we read on the website of the professional union of the cosmetics sector.
To avoid taking any risks, it is recommended in priority not to buy a product that does not have the CE marking, which guarantees compliance with European regulations. But the FEBEA goes even further by advocating to only buy products on which the list of ingredients appears, and not to buy products that do not mention the age group in which they are ( are destined)’. Provisions included in European regulations relating to cosmetics and toys.