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Senators Want FDA Probe Of Lead In Lipstick

Washington 'gambling with our health,' Sen. Kerry charges

November 20, 2007

• Senators Want FDA Probe Of Lead In Lipstick • FDA To Review Lead Lipstick Claims • Consumer Group Finds Lead-Leaden Lipsticks

Revelations that some popular brands of lipstick contain lead have caught the attention of some lawmakers in Washington.

Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) have asked FDA Commissioner Dr. Andrew C. von Eschenbach to investigate lipstick products containing lead levels above the legal limit.

The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics’ recent report highlights what the senators call a lack of oversight, meaning consumers are directly ingesting lead each time they wear one of these lipstick products.

The senators’ letter asks the FDA to retest the lipsticks that raised red flags, and take immediate steps to reduce consumers’ exposure to lead in lipstick and other cosmetics.

“Dangerous levels of lead in lipstick is the latest reminder that insufficient safeguards at the FDA pose real risks to everyday Americans,” Kerry said. “From the cosmetics store to the sun block parents count on to protect their children’s skin, there has been a continuous flow of unnerving news in recent months about the FDA’s clear lack of oversight and inspection.

"Washington is gambling with our health, whether we are aware of it or not. It’s time for the FDA to start taking this responsibility more seriously,” Kerry added.

Feinstein said she was surprised by the revelations.

"The Food and Drug Administration needs to fully investigate the potential health risks posed by lead in lipsticks. And federal guidelines may be needed to safeguard women’s health and reduce the amount of lead in cosmetic products,” Feinstein said.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics report noted that the FDA has not set a limit for lead in lipstick. High levels of lead are of particular concern to pregnant women, because high doses of lead can have significant impacts on the early brain development of babies and toddlers.

Lead has been linked to learning and behavioral problems in children, such as reduced IQ, poorer school performance and aggression.

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