FDA Finds Chemicals Linked to Birth Defects in Two-Thirds of Cosmetics Products
by LaVonne on 08/04/05 at 9:22 am
Federal Agency Refuses to Publicly Release Studys Findings
WASHINGTONThe Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has learned that the FDA recently conducted a safety study of phthalatesa group of industrial chemicals linked to birth defects that are used in many cosmetics productsbut is refusing to publicly release the studys findings. In response, Friends of the Earth, a founding member of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, today filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain the study.
According to preliminary information uncovered by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics about the study, two-thirds of health and beauty products analyzed by the FDA late last year contained phthalates. Two of the most toxic phthalates, DEHP and DBP, have been banned from cosmetics products sold in the European Union but remain unregulated in the United States .
The FDA is withholding an important piece of scientific research from the public, said Lisa Archer , Campaign Coordinator for Friends of the Earth. We deserve to know if there are harmful ingredients in our cosmetics products. As a publicly-funded agency, the FDA has a duty to tell the public what it knows about which products contain phthalates.
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