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Regulation of Toxins and Banning of Antibacterials in Personal Care Products

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.
  2. Some of the toxic chemicals found in cosmetics are carcinogens, reproductive and developmental toxins, allergens, and endocrine disruptors. Additionally, antibacterial cosmetics may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
  3. There is a lack of data on the long-term or combined health effects of most cosmetic ingredients.
  4. Contaminants and residues do not have to be listed on a label even if they are harmful, and manufacturers are not required to disclose specific fragrance ingredients.
  5. Manufacturers are required to send Health Canada a list of ingredients only after a product is on the market for 10 days.

Resolved 1:

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.

Resolved 2:

The NCWC urges the Government of Canada to:

a. Test personal care products for potential health effects before they are put on the market.

b. Ban antibacterial cosmetics and soaps.

c. Enact strict regulations 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 hazards with long-term exposure.

PLAIN LANGUAGE FORMAT

Policy Statement:

The NCWC adopts as policy the regulation of toxins in personal care products and the banning of antibacterial cosmetics and soaps.

Request of Government:

The NCWC urges the Government of Canada to:

  1. Test personal care products for health effects before they go on the market.
  2. Ban antibacterial cosmetics and soaps.
  3. Enforce strict regulations for cosmetic ingredients, including contaminants and residues.
  4. Require manufacturers to fully disclose fragrance ingredients and list all product ingredients on the label.
  5. Ensure warning labels about health risks with long-term exposure.

Rationale:

  • Many personal care product ingredients are untested and unregulated.
  • Some toxic chemicals in cosmetics include carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, allergens, and reproductive toxins.
  • Antibacterial cosmetics may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
  • There is no data on the long-term effects of most cosmetic ingredients.
  • Contaminants and residues are not required to be listed on labels, even if harmful.
  • Manufacturers only report ingredients to Health Canada 10 days after a product is already on the market.