Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) are introducing legislation of the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010. This legislation addresses many concerns about what chemicals are in personal care products and suggests that the self-regulation of the cosmetics industry has not been enough. The bill will require that labels of products list the ingredients of fragrances. Ingredients of fragrances have been protected for trade secret purposes and personal care companies have not been required to list the numerous chemicals that can make up a “fragrance”.
It’s no surprise that Smell INC is excited about this legislation. I’ve been wondering which chemicals in certain fragrances are triggering my migraine headaches. If this bill passes and is enforced maybe I can get some answers to my health issues. This could be a real turning point for my neurological illness.
There are many sides to this legislation…. to be fair, I will post links to many viewpoints including those of the cosmetic companies.
Rep. Markey’s website, has bullet points of the Safe Cosmetics Act
http://markey.house.gov/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=4059&Itemid=125
Cosmetic companies group responds to this bill
http://www.personalcarecouncil.org/newsroom/20100721a
Consumer advocacy group pushing for this legislation
http://storyofstuff.org/cosmetics/
Article from Bryan Walsh for Time.com regarding this issue
http://ecocentric.blogs.time.com/2010/07/21/cracking-down-on-toxic-makeup/
If you think this bill is a good idea I suggest you contact your congressman/congresswoman and ask for their support.
