A study conducted by the Breast Cancer Fund found heavy metals and toxic chemicals in children's Halloween makeup. Tests were done on 49 different makeup products and it was found that almost half of them contained at least one harmful chemical such as lead.
The contaminants found are linked to health problems such as developmental toxicity, learning difficulties, hormonal disruption and cancer. Furthermore, out of the 65 makeup products tested, 13 of them contained seven volatile organic compounds (VOC). Of the seven VOCs, four are linked to serious health risks, the Breast Cancer Fund reported.
"When it comes to Halloween makeup and novelty makeup for children, the tests are showing there are heavy metals showing up," Jen Coleman of the Oregon Environmental Council told USA Today. "There is no safe level of lead. Even the smallest amount of exposure can have unsafe effects, especially in young children."
Coleman explained that it is almost impossible for parents to determine whether the Halloween make up contains harmful content that is not visible on the labels. "The FDA that regulates makeup does not have the power to require pre-market testing," she added. Coleman suggests using all-natural makeup instead of chemical ones, and avoiding dark pigment colors.
At least 4 million households with children are currently exposed to high levels of lead. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has recommended public health actions to be done because lead exposure can affect almost all the systems in the body.
The Breast Cancer Fund believes that the U.S. needs more specific laws on protecting children from unsafe chemicals contained in personal care and cosmetic products. For over a decade, the organization has worked with the FDA to regulate the billion-dollar cosmetics industry.
Furthermore, the Breast Cancer Fund is pushing a safety reform that will ban any cosmetic ingredients associated with health problems. The reform will include a mandatory FDA registration and recall of cosmetic facilities, and full disclosure of ingredients on product labels among many others.
Check out this clip on toxic chemicals found in children's Halloween makeup: