Teenagers may be contaminated with potentially risky chemicals from cosmetics, according to a small study released Wednesday from the Environmental Working Group. The environmental group, which focuses on hazards in consumer products, says the study is the first to measure many of these chemicals in this age group. In a study of 20 girls from across the country, researchers found ingredients linked to health problems in animals in the blood and urine of all of the teens, ages 14 to 19.
In the report, author Rebecca Sutton says she found 16 cosmetic-related chemicals in the girls. The ingredients belong to four classes of chemicals. One, triclosan, is a preservative that may affect the thyroid. Three others act like hormones: preservatives called parabens; synthetic musks, which are commonly added to fragrances; and phthalates, also used in fragrances. Ingredients in all four classes have been linked to cancer in laboratory studies, the report says. The report's authors found two types of parabens - methylparaben and propylparaben - in every girl tested.
Although parabens are typically listed in cosmetic ingredient lists, the dozens of chemicals used to create fragrances often aren't individually listed.
Full Story: http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2008-09-24-cosmetics-chemicals_N.htm
