LIPSTICK AND KIDS

STUDY

Testing of 32 commonly sold lipsticks and lip glosses found they contain lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum and five other metals — some at potentially toxic levels, according to researchers at the University of California-Berkeley’s School of Public Health. Its findings appear in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

"This study is saying, ‘FDA, wake up and pay attention,’ "

When not blotted on tissue or left as kiss marks, lipstick and lip gloss are ingested or absorbed by the user. For even the average user, the study found that some of the lipsticks could result in excessive exposure to chromium, a carcinogen linked to stomach tumors.

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?

Use less. Especially, don’t use beauty products on kids.

Since no level of lead exposure is considered safe for children, we discourages kids from playing with lipstick or using it for beauty contests or as substitute for candy.