Despite this, Bruton recommends that consumers who want to limit their exposure to PFAS read the labels anyway, to at least avoid products where the chemicals are accurately listed.
High levels of fluorine were frequently found in products advertised as “long-lasting” and “wear-resistant,” which could provide another clue for discerning consumers.
But in the end, there’s not much consumers can do to solve the problem.
“It’s important that the government step up to regulate ingredients in cosmetics with more stringency,” Bruton said. “It’s also time the cosmetics industry steps up and begins efforts to move away from this class of chemicals.”
The U.S. laws governing cosmetics safety and labelling date back to 1938 and 1967, “which tells you something,” Bruton said.
Congressional Bill Introduced
However, on Tuesday, Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act in the Senate, the Washington Post reported. The same bill was introduced in the U.S. House by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan). It would direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to issue a proposed rule banning the intentional addition of PFAS in cosmetics within 270 days of the bill’s passage, and require a final rule to be issued 90 days later.
“Our bill would require the FDA to ban the addition of PFAS to cosmetics products,” Collins said in a statement. “Americans should be able to trust that the products they are applying to their hair or skin are safe.”
The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit advocacy organization, applauded the bill’s introduction.
