William Atkins
Wednesday, 28 October 2009 19:10
Science -
Health
Page 1 of 3
According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, tests have revealed that some children’s face paints used at Halloween contain the metals lead, nickel, cobalt, and chromium. What is equally scary is the fact that these metals are often not listed on the product labels.
The October 27, 2009 press release by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is titled “
Halloween Face Paints Contain Lead, Heavy Metals Linked to Skin Allergies.”
Based on the tests performed by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the organization recommends that
“Parents should consider safer alternatives for kids’ costumes.”
What is especially disconcerting to consumers, and especially parents, is that these metals are usually not even listed on the labels of these products.
The organization points out that even at low doses, these metals can cause long-term skin sensitizations and dermatitis in children.
Even though the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is highlighting this safety concern at Halloween, it wants to emphasize that these face paints are used all year long for various children’s games and activities.
The findings, compiled in the new report, "Pretty Scary," include:
•
Ten out of 10 children’s face paints contained lead at levels ranging from 0.05 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm).
• Six out of 10 children’s face paints contained the potent skin allergens nickel, cobalt and/or chromium at levels ranging from 1.6 to 120 ppm – far exceeding industry safety recommendations of 1 ppm.
Page two continues with some misleading face paint products.
