It’s Not a Hangover, It’s My Mascara
It’s no mystery to consumers that mercury is harmful. We know that pregnant women, and even those who might become pregnant, should keep their intake to a minimum. The element causes developmental delays in babies and children. It can be harmful to adults as well because our body accumulates and stores it until poisonous level are reached - which can be immediate or profound, long-term central nervous system effects.
We know this, though. What we don’t know is what all this has to do with fashion.
Minnesota 
officials have determined that undetermined amounts of the toxic element are being used in certain mascaras and other beauty products.
A law has been set in place that will ban the use of mercury in all personal cosmetics. Effective January 1, the law specifically points to mascara, eye-liner, and skin-lightening creams. Minnesota is the first state to set such a law, and will be following up on any cosmetic companies and retailers who knowingly produce or sell products with mercury.
So far, all news companies seem to be carrying the same Associated Press article which does not name names. So until brands are revealed, be safe my lash-ious friends - even the fumes are harmful and not all ingredients are listed on the label.
So if you wake up after a long night out (4 to 8 hour exposure time) having had vivid dreams; feel irritable, tired, and have flu-like symptoms; and are unable to remember the night before … you can blame it on your mascara.
mercury poisoning in mascara, mascara ban, mercury in cosmetics, poisonous cosmetics
November 17th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
[...] this sounds not far off from the accusations of mercury in mascara last December. Since it became news that companies were including mercury, but not putting it on [...]