Perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances are potentially toxic chemicals that are not easily decomposed and will not only remain in the environment but also in the body. A new study has raised concerns about the presence of these chemicals in cosmetics.

These chemicals, called PFAS, are man-made and are commonly used in food packaging, non-stick cookware and other products, including cosmetics, because they are resistant to oil, grease, and water.

The problem is that some of these chemicals Linked Cancer, obesity, risk of infertility, thyroid disease, weakened immune system and more serious COVID-19 results. They also pollute the drinking water of many Americans.

In a 2015 report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 97% of Americans had PFAS detected in their blood.

The toxicity levels of all these chemicals have not been properly studied, but researchers at the University of Notre Dame found at least four perfluoro and polyfluoroalkyl substances worthy of attention in cosmetics.

Their research is published in Environmental Science and Technology Letter, University of Notre Dame physics professor Graham Peaslee (Graham Peaslee) and his team found that the fluorine content is high- Possible indicators of the existence of PFAS– In most of the waterproof mascaras, liquid lipsticks and foundations they tested.

It should be noted that chemical fluorine is different from inorganic fluorine added to drinking water.

In total, the researchers screened 231 cosmetics purchased in the United States and Canada.52% of all cosmetics tested have a high fluorine content —— A very active chemical element found in PFAS.

Subdivided into cosmetics sub-categories, 55% of the 60 lipsticks tested, 63% of the 43 foundations, and 47% of the 32 mascaras all contained high fluoride content. No specific company name was listed in the report.

Some products with high fluorine content were further analyzed and confirmed the presence of at least four perfluoro and polyfluoroalkyl substances. However, most products with high fluorine content, including those that have been confirmed to contain PFAS, do not list PFAS on their labels.

“Lipstick wearers may inadvertently eat a few pounds of lipstick in their lifetime,” Peaslee Say“But unlike food, chemicals in lipsticks and other cosmetics and personal care products are almost completely unregulated in the United States and Canada. As a result, millions of people unknowingly combine PFAS and other harmful chemicals every day. The substance is applied to the face and body.”

Researchers said that in addition to intake problems, these chemicals can also be absorbed through the skin and tear ducts.

The researchers explained that due to the lack of proper labels, it is difficult for customers to read the labels to avoid using cosmetics containing these potentially harmful chemicals. Although they did find that products containing PFAS are more likely to be advertised as “wear-resistant” or “long-lasting.”

PFAS listed on the label, according to Environmental Working Group, Including PTFE, perfluorononyl polydimethylsiloxane, perfluorodecalin, C9-15 fluoroalcohol phosphate and perfluorohexane.

“PFAS are not necessary for cosmetics. Given their great potential for harm, I don’t think they should be used in any personal care products,” said Arlene Blum, co-author of the study and executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute.

“It’s time to get the whole class of PFAS away from cosmetics and keep these harmful chemicals away from our bodies.”

Some legislators, cosmetics companies and retailers are working hard to do this.according to Washington post, Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the PFAS-free bill in cosmetics on Tuesday.

“Our bill will require the Food and Drug Administration to ban the addition of PFAS to cosmetics,” Collins said in a statement.

“Americans should be able to trust that the products they use for hair or skin are safe.”

L’Oréal promised to eliminate PFAS from its products in 2018. California and Maryland both prohibit the use of toxic chemicals in cosmetics, but the law will not take effect until 2025.

Retailers such as Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Target, Rite Aid and CVS have also pledged to eliminate toxic chemicals in beauty products. CNN report.