9/20/2013
Kiss of Death: Hidden Danger in Lipsticks
When you, the consumer, buy a product online or off the shelf at the store, you expect it to be safe. But unfortunately, that is not always the case: defective and dangerous products often make it into the hands of unsuspecting consumers.
A recent article in the New York Times shows that even the most innocuous products may contain hidden dangers. The article explores the possible health and safety issue of lipstick, a favorite cosmetic of women and girls around the country.
What could be wrong with lipstick? Researchers have found that most lipsticks—four hundred, according to a report by the FDA—contain traces of lead.
The CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission) has just announced a "strong association" between Chinese drywall and corrosion of pipes and wires. In addition to complaints about damage to pipes and wires there have also been complaints about health problems associated from using this Chinese drywall. The CPSC has stated that there may also be a link between health problems reported by homeowners and hydrogen sulfide gas emitted from the drywall along with formaldehyde, which is routinely found in new homes. The Chinese drywall was imported during the U.S. housing boom when building supplies were scarce. This Chinese drywall was heavily used in the southeastern United States following hurricane Katrina.