FDA’s Permissive Position on Lead In Lipsticks Criticized by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is increasing its criticism of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in regard to the agency’s continuing permissive attitude on the use of lead in lipsticks.

The consumer advocacy group is urging the FDA to reconsider its current position on the use of lead in lipsticks due to growing knowledge about its harmful effects human health.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s guide on lead poisoning says that, “Swallowing or breathing in lead causes lead poisoning. If you are pregnant, lead may also ham your baby. Lead hurts the brain and other parts of the nervous system. Some of the health problems caused by lead poisoning may never go away.”

Last month, the FDA acknowledged that it had “recently received a number of inquiries from consumers concerned about the amount of lead present in lipstick,” forcing the agency address the issue again, though again coming back with the same assessment as in previous reviews.

“Our initial findings (in 2007), as well as our expanded findings posted in December 2011, confirm that the amount of lead found in lipstick is very low and does not pose safety concerns,” said the FDA.

The agency added that, “We do not consider the lead levels we found in the lipsticks to be a safety concern. Lipstick, as a product intended for topical use with limited absorption, is ingested only in very small quantities. The lead levels we found are within the limits recommended by other public health authorities for lead in cosmetics, including lipstick.”

In disagreement with the assessment, last month, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics wrote a letter to the agency saying, “Many experts agree that there is no safe blood level of lead for children and pregnant women. Lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems, such as lowered I.Q., reduced school performance and increased aggression.

“Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure because lead easily crosses the placenta and enters the fetal brain where it can interfere with normal development.”

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