Lead-laced lipstick only selling for P35 apiece in Binondo–EcoWaste Coalition
Ahead of International Women’s day, a toxics watchdog warned about lead-laced lipsticks that can be purchased for a low price at a popular shopping center in Manila.
According to the findings of its test purchases over the past week, the EcoWaste Coalition noted that 16 samples of a brand called “Hello Kitty Qianxiu Lipstcik” (sic) priced at only P35 each at 168 Shopping Mall in Binondo were all contaminated with lead far beyond the allowed limit in cosmetics.
The benchmark for safe levels of lead in cosmetics was based on the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Cosmetic Directive, which limits it to only 20 parts per million (ppm).
In fact, the group noted that nine out of the 16 samples were found to have 13,610 ppm to 43,640 ppm of lead, while three had 2,642 ppm to 9,670 ppm; and four contained 106 ppm to 188 ppm of lead.
EcoWaste used an X-ray fluorescence analyzer to check for lead content in the flagged lip makeup, which was packaged in black and pink canisters and comes in different shades of red.
It said that lead, a neuro and reproductive toxicant, “can have damaging effects on the health of women as well as children.”
“Studies have shown that women’s exposure to lead may result in hormonal changes, menstrual irregularities, reduced fertility, and a host of other health problems, which may also affect babies in the womb,” it added.
Aside from being heavily contaminated with a toxic metal, the Hello Kitty line of the Qianxiu lipstick does not have the mandatory certificate of product notification (CPN) in violation of Republic Act No. 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, the group said.
This means that the product was put on sale without going through a quality and safety assessment check by the FDA.
EcoWaste said it has already advised the FDA about its findings on lipsticks for proper action.
It urged the public to steer clear of fake or imitation products and those without adequate labels. Contaminated cosmetic products should also be out of the reach of children, it added. “Use less lipstick if you are uncertain if it is safe from lead and other contaminants,” it warned.
