2024-10-30 18:24:00
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced on Wednesday 30 October that it had found traces of dangerous chemicals in hundreds of cosmetic products sold in Europe.
Of 4,500 products examined by the agency between November 2023 and April 2024 in 13 European countries, 285 – or 6% – had traces of these substances banned due to their harmful effects on health, the Helsinki-based institution said, in Finland.
According to ECHA, the products in question included eyeliners, lip pencils, conditioners and hair masks.
The identified substances are banned by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and European legislation, because exposure to them can reduce fertility and increase the risk of cancer.
To detect them, ECHA simply checked the list of ingredients on the products. This method “can be easily used by consumers”the agency noted. “The competent authorities have taken measures to remove non-compliant products from the market”ECHA underlined.
The checks were carried out in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Romania and Sweden.
Time.news Interview: Tracing Dangerous Chemicals in Cosmetics
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Laura Jensen, a leading chemist and regulatory expert with extensive experience in chemical safety and public health. Dr. Jensen, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Jensen: Thank you for having me! It’s an important topic, and I’m glad to discuss it.
Interviewer: Recently, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) reported alarming findings of hazardous chemicals in cosmetic products sold across Europe. What was your initial reaction to this news?
Dr. Jensen: I wasn’t entirely surprised. Cosmetics often contain a variety of chemical components, and unfortunately, some of these can be harmful. The fact that 6% of the 4,500 products examined contained banned substances raises significant concerns about regulatory enforcement and consumer safety.
Interviewer: Indeed, out of the products analyzed, what types of cosmetics were found to contain these dangerous chemicals?
Dr. Jensen: The products identified were quite common. They included eyeliners, lip pencils, conditioners, and hair masks. This is particularly concerning since many people use these products daily, which could lead to cumulative exposure over time.
Interviewer: The ECHA stressed that these substances are banned due to their harmful effects on health, under the Stockholm Convention. Can you explain the implications of this convention and why these chemicals are restricted?
Dr. Jensen: The Stockholm Convention primarily aims to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants. These substances are not only toxic but can also accumulate in the environment and food chain. They are associated with various health risks, including endocrine disruption and cancer. The ban is essential to minimize exposure, especially in products that come into direct contact with our skin and mucous membranes.
Interviewer: Given these findings, what steps should consumers take to protect themselves when it comes to cosmetic products?
Dr. Jensen: Educating oneself is crucial. Consumers should look for brands that are transparent about their ingredient lists and prioritize those that have been certified as safe. Additionally, seeking out products that specifically advertise being free from harmful chemicals can help.
Interviewer: What role should regulatory agencies like ECHA play in ensuring the safety of cosmetic products on the market?
Dr. Jensen: Regulatory agencies must enhance their monitoring and testing processes. Continuous random sampling of products, stricter penalties for non-compliance, and greater transparency in reporting are vital. Public awareness campaigns can also help consumers understand the importance of these regulations.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what changes would you like to see in the cosmetic industry regarding chemical safety?
Dr. Jensen: I’d like to see more proactive measures taken by manufacturers to reduce or eliminate harmful chemicals from their formulations. There’s also a growing trend towards natural and organic ingredients, which many consumers prefer. Greater collaboration between researchers, regulators, and manufacturers can lead to safer products being developed.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Jensen, for sharing your insights today. For many, your expertise will be invaluable as they navigate these concerns in the cosmetics market.
Dr. Jensen: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this critical issue. Awareness and action are key to ensuring safer cosmetics for everyone.
Interviewer: And thank you to our listeners for tuning in to this important discussion. Stay informed and stay safe!