08.12.21
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are back in the news this week, after The Washington Post published an article with the headline, "Is your long-lasting makeup toxic? Study raises concerns about PFAS in cosmetics."
The article notes that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked PFAS to kidney, liver, immunological, developmental and reproductive issues. Most recently, the CDC said there is evidence that PFAS affect the antibody response to vaccines such as those for COVID-19.
Last month, Maine became the first state to enact a law banning all PFAS from being intentionally added to any product sold in the state. The law is sceduled to take effect in 2030. California and Maine are phasing in PFAS bans for cosmetics, too.
At the Federal level, the US House of Representatives passed the PFAS Action Act, which would require the Environmental Protection Agency to establish national drinking water standards for these so-called “forever chemicals.” A bipartisan Senate bill seeking to ban PFAS in cosmetics was introduced in June by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
The legislative moves follow publication of a study in the Environmental Science & Technology Letters, that found high levels of fluorine levels in "most mascaras, liquid lipsticks and foundations tested." Fluorine is an indicator of the presence of PFAs.
The Personal Care Products Council noted that not all fluorinated compounds have the same chemical makeup and safety profiles. Some findings of trace amounts may be due to contamination.
The article notes that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked PFAS to kidney, liver, immunological, developmental and reproductive issues. Most recently, the CDC said there is evidence that PFAS affect the antibody response to vaccines such as those for COVID-19.
Last month, Maine became the first state to enact a law banning all PFAS from being intentionally added to any product sold in the state. The law is sceduled to take effect in 2030. California and Maine are phasing in PFAS bans for cosmetics, too.
At the Federal level, the US House of Representatives passed the PFAS Action Act, which would require the Environmental Protection Agency to establish national drinking water standards for these so-called “forever chemicals.” A bipartisan Senate bill seeking to ban PFAS in cosmetics was introduced in June by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
The legislative moves follow publication of a study in the Environmental Science & Technology Letters, that found high levels of fluorine levels in "most mascaras, liquid lipsticks and foundations tested." Fluorine is an indicator of the presence of PFAs.
The Personal Care Products Council noted that not all fluorinated compounds have the same chemical makeup and safety profiles. Some findings of trace amounts may be due to contamination.