THE ESSENTIAL
- The term PFAS brings together more than 400 chemical compounds.
- They have been used since the 1950s.
What’s really in a tube of lipstick or a box of powder? According to a survey by the BBC, these cosmetic products sometimes contain pollutants called per and polyfluoroalkyl or PFAS. Those chemical substances are used in different products, and for many years, but they can have important health consequences. “They cause an increase in cholesterol levels, can lead to cancer, cause effects on fertility and fetal development”observe ANSES.
PFAS: how to explain their presence in make-up?
These effects have led many cosmetic brands to abandon PFAS. “Historically, they have been added to products to make them last longer, improve the finish and preserve the color of eyeshadows and lipsticks.”, says the BBC article. According to the British media, dozens of products still contain PFAS. These are mainly mascara, eyeshadow, foundation and lipstick, from three major brands: Urban Decay by L’Oréal, Revolution and Inglot. “The owners of Urban Decay -L’Oréal-, Revolution and Inglot, told the BBC they were phasing out the chemicals”says the British media.
PFAS, eternal pollutants dangerous to health
“These stable chemical bonds make them chemical compounds that are not very degradable once in the environment, relief ANSES. This is why they are sometimes called ‘forever chemicals’ or ‘eternal chemicals’.” This low capacity for degradation explains the high contamination of the environment by PFAS: they can be found in the air, water, soil or sediments. “Some accumulate in living organisms and end up in the food chain., adds ANSES. Thus, PFAS are present in homes, buildings, in certain food products but also in water.
In addition to the effects mentioned above, these chemical products are also suspected of interfering with the endocrine and immune systems. “This effect of PFAS on the immune system has recently been highlighted by the European Food Safety Authority, which considers that the reduction in the response of the immune system to vaccination constitutes the most critical effect for human health.completes ANSES.
PFAS: what are the regulations concerning these dangerous products?
For now, these chemical compounds are not banned in Europe but associations are campaigning for their use to be banned. “A group of over 30 NGOs are now calling on the government to introduce a comprehensive ban on non-essential use in the UK“, indicates the BBC. In the European Union, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have tabled a proposal to restrict their use. In France, an action plan concerning PFAS must be made public in January.
‘Forever chemicals’ still in use in UK make-up https://t.co/rXXIR8Jizf
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) January 13, 2023
