2015-04 REGULATION OF TOXINS AND BANNING OF ANTIBACTERIALS IN PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS
Whereas 1:
The ingredients in personal care products are mostly untested and largely unregulated; and
Whereas 2:
Some of the toxic chemicals found in cosmetics are carcinogens, reproductive and developmental toxins, allergens, and endocrine disruptors, and antibacterial cosmetics may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria; and
Whereas 3:
There is a lack of data on the long-term or combined health effects of the majority of cosmetic ingredients; and
Whereas 4:
Contaminants and residues do not have to be listed on a label even if they are known to be harmful, and manufacturers are not required to disclose specific fragrance ingredients; and
Whereas 5:
Manufacturers are required to send Health Canada a list of ingredients but not until 10 days after a product goes on the market; therefore be it
Resolved 1:
That the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopt as policy the regulation of toxins in personal care products and the banning of antibacterial cosmetics and soaps; and be it further
Resolved 2:
That the NCWC urge the Government of Canada to:
a. Test personal care products for their potential health effects before they are put on the market;
b. Ban antibacterial cosmetics and soaps;
c. Enact strict regulation that can be legally enforced for cosmetic ingredients, including contaminants and residues;
d. Require manufacturers to disclose specific fragrance ingredients and list all product ingredients on the label;
e. Require that labels warn of risk hazard with long term exposure.
PLAIN LANGUAGE FORMAT
Policy Statement
The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopts as policy the regulation of toxins in personal care products and the banning of antibacterial cosmetics and soaps.
Request of Government
NCWC urges the Government of Canada to:
a. Test personal care products for their potential health effects before they are put on the market;
b. Ban antibacterial cosmetics and soaps;
c. Enact strict regulation that can be legally enforced for cosmetic ingredients, including contaminants and residues;
d. Require manufacturers to disclose specific fragrance ingredients and list all product ingredients on the label;
e. Require that labels warn of risk hazard with long term exposure.
Rationale
The ingredients in personal care products are mostly untested and largely unregulated. Some of the toxic chemicals found in cosmetics are carcinogens, reproductive and developmental toxins, allergens, and endocrine disruptors, and antibacterial cosmetics may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
There is a lack of data on the long-term or combined health effects of the majority of cosmetic ingredients. Contaminants and residues do not have to be listed on a label even if they are known to be harmful, and manufacturers are not required to disclose specific fragrance ingredients. Manufacturers are required to send Health Canada a list of ingredients but not until 10 days after a product goes on the market.