Research Log #3

Citation:

Maddan, Heather. "Five Questions for Mark Schapiro." San Francisco Chronical 7 
     Oct. 2007, Final ed.: G1. LexisNexis Academic. Web. 30 Mar. 2011. 
     <http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/lnacademic/>.

Summary:

This article answered a couple of questions that I had about toxins in cosmetics. It was an interview of Mark Schapiro, editorial director of the Center for Investigative Reporting in San Francisco and author of the book, "Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What's at Stake for American Power". There were very important questions answered that helped me better understand what goes on that us consumers do not know. Apparently, the European Union’s seventh amendment was forced and updated the 1976 Cosmetics Directive, as well as bans the use of any chemicals determined to be carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxins, otherwise known as CMRs. The difference between Europe and America is that European Union countries enforce the codes on their cosmetic companies, while America does not have a law that requires companies to put their ingredients on the label. Schapiro states that, “without cosmetic regulations, the United States has become a dumping ground for toxic waste in attractive packaging. The very lipsticks, eyeliners and blushers banned from European shelves are widely available in the United States.” Thankfully, the information on these toxic chemicals that the EU knows is made public, so that people around the world can see. With this research, they have found that the phthalates and carcinogenic have been used in American nail polish for years, but is now regulated in Europe. This article was definitely an eye opener. I am looking forward to finding out more information on this corruption.

Response:

I am SO happy I found this article! It answered numerous questions I had and also brought up some new information that really caught my attention. It was nice to know that the author is a male because it shows that he does not have as much of a connection to the problem. He is obviously doing this for research purposes. It surprised me that the European Union has been regulating cosmetics for some time. I think it shows a lot that it is so strictly enforced because no country would spend that much time and money on something that is not important. The United States needs to learn a few things from their neighbors. Notice what is banned in other countries that isn’t banned in the US. It is obvious that there is a reason why these chemicals are not sold on the shelves in the European Union.


Next Steps:
Now it is time to learn from the European Union and start to regulate the chemicals used by this industry. They already have a list of tested ingredients to avoid, now it is time to take this research and ban the chemicals from our products. The questions I have now are:
How hard would it be to change an industry and get rid of the corruption? 
How do you get this process started?
Who is involved in this change? 
How would this change effect prices or sales for this industry?