Canadian Government Bans Two Chemicals from Cosmetics
By Guy Montague-Jones, 05-Feb-2009
Health concerns have prompted Canadian authorities to ban two chemicals used in cosmetics as part of a major review of potentially dangerous substances.
The Canadian Government has added both isoprene and epichlorohydrin to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist to prevent them from entering beauty products in the future.
Used across the cosmetic spectrum from shampoo to make-up, isoprene and epichlorohydrin were in the latest batch of 16 substances to be reviewed in the Chemical Management Plan.
Health Canada and Environment Canada are passing judgment on 200 ‘high-priority’ chemicals using health and environmental criteria and are publishing the results in batches. The process will draw to a close in 2010.
Other cosmetic ingredients came under scrutiny
Of the 16 chemicals under review, alarm bells were also rung over two other substances used in cosmetics. Siloxanes D4 and D5, found in personal care products such as deodorants and moisturizers, were judged to present environmental risks.
While not thought to endanger human health they were classified as substances of concern to the environment because of fears that they may threaten wildlife.
Regulations expected to control use of the silicones
The government said regulations will be developed to set a concentration limit for D4 and D5 in products and for wastewater generated during the manufacturing process.
Commenting on the findings, Minister for the Environment, Jim Prentice said: “This work means that harmful substances will be stopped from entering the environment and becoming a problem for future generations.”
However, Silicones Environmental Health and Safety Council of North America hit back against the finding saying the federal government will conduct further studies and predicted this research will find the chemicals safe.
Courtesy of CosmeticsDesign.com
Posted in: Cancer Information | Civic and Political Action | Cosmetics | Harmful Chemicals | Product Reviews | Recommended Reads | Well Being Tags: banned ingredient, canada, cosmetic, cosmetic ingredient, cosmetic ingredients, Cosmetics, dangerous ingredient, harmful ingredient, make up, personal care ingredients, regulation
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