New study suggests that most cosmetics have high levels of heavy metals and toxins in them
Although many women wear makeup to look more attractive, likable and confidant, many studies including a recent one by University of Berkeley in California shows that many popular lipsticks have high levels of aluminum, arsenic, lead, chromium and other heavy metals in them.
According to the principal investigator of the study, Dr. Katharine Hammond, finding heavy metals isn’t as much as an issue compared to high levels of heavy metals that can cause many health problems, if used long term.
The study shows that lipsticks and lip glosses are mainly a concern since they can be absorbed little by little though the skin. The study shows that even the average use of lipsticks can result in excessive exposure to chromium that is linked to stomach tumors.
Lead is also another heavy metal that exists in many lipsticks and high levels of lead can be toxic especially for children.
Other studies including a report by the Environmental Defense of Canada also shows that many cosmetics contain high levels of toxic heavy metals including lead, arsenic and mercury. According to Lisa Archer, the Director of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the cosmetic products in the US and Canada have the same weakness in safety standards. She also mentioned that we urgently need laws to protect consumers from hidden toxins and heavy metals in many cosmetic products.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to lead isn’t safe at any level and lead can cause many problems including cancer and neurological disorders. Lead can also cause mental retardation, thyroid dysfunction, extreme fatigue, anorexia and seizures. Click here to read more about lead poisoning.
Arsenic is another toxin found in cosmetics linked to liver cancer, prostate cancer, lung and skin cancer, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. Cadmium has been related to hypertension, kidney damage, liver disease, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and emphysema. Mercury has been related to birth defects, autism, nausea, headaches, fatigue and kidney damage. Aluminum can cause digestive problems, Alzheimer’s, seizures and headaches.
Heavy metals aren’t only found in cosmetics and makeup but other environmental pollutions and toxins in our air, food and water supply. That's why it's very important to have a regular cleansing diet to get rid of accumulation of heavy metals and toxins in the body. Click here to find Top 5 recommendations for getting rid of heavy metals like fluoride, lead or mercury in your body
Resurces:
http://newscenter.berkeley.edu/2013/05/02/toxic-metals-in-lipstick/
