Dear “Earth Talk”: What is the “Not
Too Pretty” campaign pertaining to the use of cosmetics? — Lucy
Balzary, Los Angeles, Calif.
The nonprofit Environmental Working Group launched the
Not Too Pretty campaign in 2002 to raise awareness about the dangers of
phthalates, industrial chemicals that are used as solvents in many
cosmetics. Most of the mainstream hairsprays, deodorants, nail polishes and
perfumes that millions of people use every day contain these harmful
chemicals. Phthalates are also employed as plastic softeners in many
different consumer products, including children’s toys and medical
devices. Shown to damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and
reproductive systems in animal studies, phthalates can be absorbed through
the skin or inhaled. Scientists at government agencies in both the United
States and Canada agree that exposure to the chemicals could cause a wide
range of health and reproductive problems in people. Manufacturers use phthalates because they cling to the
skin and nails to give perfumes, hair gels, and nail polishes more staying
power. But a recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention found that 5 percent of women between the ages of 20 and 40 had
as much as 45 times more phthalates in their bodies than researchers
initially hypothesized. CDC found phthalates in virtually every person
tested, but the largest concentrations — 20 times greater than those
in the rest of the population — were found in women of childbearing
age. Meanwhile, another study, led by Dr. Shanna Swan of the University of
Missouri-Columbia, identified developmental abnormalities in male infants
correlating with high phthalate levels in their mothers’ bodies. Meanwhile, the industry-backed Phthalate Information
Center asserts, “There is no reliable evidence that any phthalate has
ever caused a health problem for a human from its intended use.” The
group accuses organizations of “cherry-picking” results
“showing impacts on test animals to create unwarranted concern about
these products.” But EWG spokeswoman Lauren E. Sucher urges people
— especially women who are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become
pregnant — to avoid phthalates. EWG offers free online access to its
“Skin Deep” database, which lists lotions, creams, and polishes
that contain phthalates. Health experts encourage women to consult the
database before shopping for beauty products. A 2003 European Union directive bans phthalates in
cosmetics sold in Europe, but U.S. and Canadian regulators have not been so
proactive, despite mounting evidence of potential harm. Those interested in adding their voices to the chorus
of environmental and health advocates opposed to the inclusion of
phthalates in cosmetics can submit a customizable prewritten letter to the
FDA expressing their concern by way of EWG’s NotTooPretty.org Web
site. The site also provides pages and pages of information and research on
the issue for those looking to learn more.
For more information: Not Too Pretty,
www.nottoopretty.org; Skin Deep, www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep.
This article appears in Jun 8-14, 2006.
