Lack of Regulation Means Carcinogens Often End Up in Your Cosmetics
If you’re anything like the average American, you use somewhere between 5 and 12 personal care products every day. Every product that is part of your morning routine, from shampoo to deodorant to mouthwash, falls under this category, and not a single one of those products has been evaluated for safety by any federal agency. That means the products you use to brush your teeth, wash your hair, shave your face and keep yourself smelling nice may contain dangerous, carcinogenic ingredients.
When companies fail to disclose that their products are dangerous, there are legal steps you can take. But first, you should know what kinds of products may pose a risk of serious harm. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be posting stories about the risks of different types of ingredients and how to know if your family has been affected. If you have used these products and suffered an abnormal reaction, or they have caused you to become ill or sustain an injury, you should seek the counsel of an experienced South Carolina products liability attorney to find out if your rights have been violated.
Why the problem has persisted for so long
It may seem unbelievable in light of the stamps and seals of approval on almost every product in the medicine cabinet, but the US Food & Drug Administration is virtually powerless to regulate the majority of grooming products on the market. This lack of oversight is the result of inaction. When the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act was passed in 1938, more than 112 pages elaborated food and drugs standards; cosmetics were addressed on a single page. That single page has not been revisited in any significant way since it was first passed.
The Cornucopia Institute published a report in July that said, “Companies do not have to list all of the ingredients in their products, nor are they required to register their manufacturing facilities with the government or report ‘adverse events,’ making it difficult for regulators to spot potential problems. Essentially, the cosmetics industry regulates itself.” The Guardian lends support to this, pointing out that “In 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that women had significantly higher levels of 10 of the 116 toxic chemicals they tested for than men.”
So what are these dangerous chemicals, you might ask. Here’s a basic example: go check your shampoo bottle for the word “fragrance.” This is a catch-all term used by manufacturers, because “fragrance” might be created by any number of chemicals. Fragrance ingredients are protected as trade secrets, meaning that carcinogens, reproductive toxins, allergens and hormones can be hiding in any personal care product. From metal-based coloring agents (linked to hyperactivity) to carcinogenic titanium oxide nanoparticles (found in common sunscreens), the lack of government oversight regarding personal care products is a direct threat to you and your family.
If you or your loved one is experiencing any kind of adverse reaction or other medical condition, seek professional medical attention immediately. Then seek out the experienced South Carolina dangerous product attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, who can evaluate your case and help get you the compensation you deserve. Call 803-327-7800 or contact us today for a free co
Randy is the former President of the South Carolina Association for Justice. He has been certified by the American Board of Professional Liability as a specialist in Medical Malpractice Law which is recognized by the South Carolina Bar. Randy has also been awarded the distinction of being a “Super Lawyer” 10 times in the last decade. He has over 25 years of experience helping injured people fight back against corporations, hospitals and wrong-doers.
Read more about S. Randall Hood