More Make-Up Clean-Up Coming?

Tomorrow afternoon, it is anticipated that the federal government will publish their draft decision on whether or not another concerning chemical used in personal care products will be proposed as "toxic" in Canada. If it is, the government can propose actions intended to reduce our exposures.

A quick search in the U.S.-based Cosmetics Database revealed that the concerning chemical commonly known as BHA/scientifically known as phenol, (1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methoxy- can be found in lipstick, eye shadow, moisturizer, mascara, and other personal care products. We found a few of the BHA-containing products in the Cosmetics Database on Canadian store shelves. However, that's not all BHA might be in. Information suggests that it may also be found in food packaging and food (e.g., butter, meats, glazed fruits, cereals, baked goods, snack foods, nuts).

So why are we concerned? Well, BHA has been classified as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" according to the U.S. National Toxicology Program. It is also a carcinogen on California's Prop 65 list of substances "known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity".

BHA, or butylated hydroxyanisole, has the CAS No. 25013-16-5. It is being evaluated through the federal government's Chemicals Management Plan.