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Natural Skin Care
Out of the hundreds of substances banned from cosmetics sold in the European Union, phthalates were a top target. They are plastic-softening chemicals found commonly in nail polish, fragrances, hairsprays, deodorants and other products. But they’re often not listed on ingredients labels because they’re included in the catch-all term “fragrance”—or are part of compounds protected as trade secrets. In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tested 289 people and found surprisingly high levels of phthalates in every one of them. Hundreds of studies have shown that phthalates can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems. No wonder the EU banned them. Will the US?
Article by Carol Kahn from Vegetarian Times, July/August 2005.
Copyright© Vegetarian Times. Reprinted with permission.
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