TAGS: Toiletries
Marine Conservation Society has identified many cosmetics and toiletries which contain invisible ‘forever chemicals’ PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which remain in the marine environment for many years and can have a detrimental impact on the ocean and the animals within it.
Presence of PFAs in Toiletries and Cosmetics
PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” which remain in the environment without breaking down for many years; they are highly polluting and extremely difficult, if not impossible, to remove once they enter the environment.
PFAS are fluorinated chemicals that can be found in make-up products, particularly eyeshadow and foundation, face masks, facial cream, hair care, face wash, shaving foam and similar shaving products, nail care.
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The dangers which PFAS pose to the marine environment are similar to those posed by ocean plastic, a steady stream causing an ever-growing build up in the environment. What makes the problem of PFAS more challenging is that they are an invisible threat, we can’t physically see these chemicals building up and as such, don’t know the true extent of the damage,” said Dr. Francesca Bevan, MCS chemical pollution specialist.
PFAs Escape Wastewater Treatment Systems
MCS is concerned about PFAS presence in cosmetics and toiletries due to their direct pathway into water sources and eventually the ocean. PFAS also currently escape classic wastewater treatment systems because, amongst other reasons, they remain dissolved and therefore are difficult to filter out like solids.
Currently, only two PFAS chemicals have been banned globally due to data proving a link between exposure to these chemicals and effects on the liver, gastrointestinal tract and thyroid in humans and animals. These two PFAS chemicals have also been shown to have carcinogenic effects and to cross the placenta in some animals.
Organizations including MCS are working to demystify PFAS chemicals and to introduce better legislation in manufacturing. CHEM Trust is advocating for a ‘grouping’ approach in chemical regulation, allowing regulation of the entire group of PFAS to accelerate the phasing out of the chemicals in products.
Full ingredient labels on cosmetics would theoretically allow consumers to make an active choice to avoid PFAS chemicals by opting for ‘fluorine free’ products, and MCS encourage consumers to do this as much as possible.
Source: Marine Conservation Society