Diane Sawyer Report on Untested Chemicals in Cosmetics

Diane Sawyer, of ABC News aired a Consumer Watchdog piece, Untested Chemicals in Beauty Products?

Diane said, “It was startling to learn a number today. A hundred and twenty is the answer. 120 chemicals in care products, creams, shampoos, used everyday by women – most of them untested an a lot by men as well. Today, even lawmakers said it was time for a wake-up call …” (ABC World News, 4/30/12).

ABC Senior National Correspondent, Jim Avala went on to explain, “The average woman applies 12 beauty products to her body every day – 120 chemicals. For men, it’s six cosmetics and 80 chemicals.”

The report gave a small example of problematic chemicals such as formaldehye, dioxane, lead, parabens, mercury, toluene, diethyl phthalate (allergies, hormone disrupters, dermatitis in perfume) stating that Europe has banned 1,200 chemicals, which the U.S. has only banned 10.

The report featured the Breast Cancer Fund Director of Program and Policy, Janet Nudelman who discusses the Safe Cosmetics Act, supported by the Breast Cancer Fund and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

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