Reports of harmful chemicals or other substances in consumer products seem the norm these days. In many instances, regulators can take action to ameliorate the hazard by removing products from the market or by issuing public warnings about the danger. Sometimes, though, it is extremely difficult for officials to do so. That's the case with the cosmetics industry, which currently operates under federal legislation dating to 1938. A sensible effort to update the rules -- and to protect consumers -- is underway. Unfortunately, it faces heavy opposition.
There's certainly need for the legislation. The 1938 rules essentially allow the nation's cosmetics industry -- a $60-billion annual enterprise -- to police itself in terms of safety. That's never a good idea when substantial profits are involved. The proposed Safe Cosmetics Act would change that.
The new legislation would give the Food and Drug Administration something it does not have now -- the ability to recall cosmetic and personal care products that contain dangerous chemicals and other substances. Industry officials, of course, say that's not necessary, but the facts suggest otherwise. Lead in lipstick, mercury in face cream, formaldehyde in hair products and toluene in nail polish and some perfumes are just a few of the documented cases of harmful and carcinogenic substances detected in such products in recent years.
The danger is widespread. One survey suggested that the average woman applies 12 beauty or personal care products to her body daily, and that men use six. And if those numbers seem extreme, remember that the product list includes but is not limited to shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, toothpaste, mascara, eyeliner, powder, lip gloss and lipstick, contact lens solution, powder and assorted polishes, sprays, washes and lotions.
For years, American men and women have paid little attention to the possible dangers in cosmetics and personal care products. That's changing as consumers grow more sophisticated and gain greater understanding of the dangers posed by the chemicals. The Safe Cosmetics Act is designed to address and assuage those concerns.
It would require consumer-friendly labeling, more transparent and independent safety tests and full disclosure of possible contaminants. Those are reasonable requirements, especially since many of the products covered are used by youngsters -- often more susceptible to the toxic compounds in products -- as well as adults.
Cosmetic and personal care products companies publicly pay lip service to the need for full disclosure and improved consumer protection. Privately, however, they've lobbied heavily to weaken proposed legislation and, in one instance at least, to promote substitute rules that would eviscerate the most consumer-friendly sections of the Safe Cosmetics Act. Those attempts should be beaten back.
Hundreds of millions Americans probably use cosmetics or personal care products on a regular basis. Those products should be safe. They can be -- if harmful chemicals are removed. It can be done. The European Union has banned about 1,200 chemicals from such products (the United States has banned 10) without damaging the industry.
Americans deserve the same or similar safeguards. Congress should provide them.