Lead in Lipstick? Require FDA Regulation of Ingredients in Cosmetics!
Every morning, millions of women and teenage girls could be putting their health at risk as they unknowingly expose themselves to toxins - including lead - that may lead to reproductive birth defects, infertility and cancer. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, of all the chemicals used in cosmetics, nearly 900 are toxic. In fact, 450 ingredients that are used in the U.S. are banned for use in cosmetics in the European Union! In spite of all this, the Food and Drug Administration doesn't regulate bath and beauty products before they hit the market. Most readily available makeup is loaded with chemicals that are either untested for long-term effects on our health, or have already been proven to have potentially harmful qualities! As they set their priorities for 2008, urge Congress to require the FDA to adequately regulate ingredients used in our personal care products!
Dear [Decision maker],
As your constituent and a concerned citizen, I respectfully ask you to require the Food and Drug Administration to adequately test and regulate ingredients used in personal care products.
A survey conducted by the Environmental Working Group shows that the average adult uses 9 cosmetic products each day, with 126 unique chemical ingredients. Millions of women and teenage girls could be putting their health at risk as they unknowingly expose themselves to toxins - including lead - that may lead to reproductive birth defects, infertility and cancer.
Americans rely upon the FDA for protection from exposure to unsafe food, drug and cosmetic products. Armed with the authority of the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&CA), the FDA is charged with the duty of ensuring the safety of cosmetic products available to consumers.
[Your comment here]
As you set your agenda for 2008 and beyond, please make our health and safety a priority by requiring the FDA to test and regulate ingredients used in cosmetics and other personal care products before they go to market.
