Check that lip gloss or face paint on kids
NEW research from the United States, based on more than 200 surveys, could take the shine off children’s make-up. The study suggests that most children under the age of 12 could potentially be using toxic make-up products, exposing them from an early age to lead, asbestos and other chemicals harmful to health.
A little lip gloss, some glitter, and why not a little touch of nail polish... Children often like to copy what grown-ups do, especially when it comes to make-up. And while this may seem like harmless fun, it could actually be more harmful than we think, according to the findings of a study conducted by scientists at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, in collaboration with the non-profit organisation Earthjustice, based on more than 200 surveys.
The research reveals that most American children use make-up and body care products that “may contain carcinogens and other toxic chemicals”.
A POPuLAr PASTIME
Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the research reports that more than three quarters of parents surveyed in the study (79 per cent) say that their children aged 12 and under regularly or occasionally use makeup or body products specifically marketed for children. This can range from face paint to temporary tattoos, glitter, lip gloss, lipsticks, stick-on jewellery, eye shadow, nail polish and hair sprays.
More than half of the children surveyed (54 per cent) use make-up and body products formulated for children at least once a month.
One third of children also reported having unintentionally ingested such products in the past year — an observation that highlights the need to use safe products, without any potential danger for the users concerned.
LEAD, ASbESTOS, PhThALATES
However, this is not the primary focus of the study, which in turn draws on previous research. This has found that these products, although intended for young users, “often” contain toxic chemicals ranging from lead to asbestos, perfluoroalkyl substances, phthalates and formaldehyde. Chemicals that, in some cases, are associated with an increased risk of cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, and other serious health issues.
“Children are particularly vulnerable to adverse health risks associated with chemicals often found in make-up and body products. In addition to dermal exposure through the skin, behavioural patterns such as hand-to-mouth activity may increase exposure to products through unintentional ingestion,” said the study’s senior author, Julie Herbstman.
Additionally, children’s small body size, rapid growth rate, developing tissues and organs, and immature immune systems make them biologically susceptible to the effects of toxicants.