The Scary Side of Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner and if your child’s costume involves makeup, you might be unintentionally exposing them to harmful heavy metals and toxic chemicals.

Due to relatively relaxed regulation in the United States, just about any chemical can be put in cosmetics, shampoos, lotion, and other personal care products. The United States has only banned 11 chemicals from use in personal products and cosmetics, compared to the European Union’s ban on over 1,100.

The end result is that a wide range of hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) like benzene and toluene and heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury can wind up in your kiddo’s Halloween makeup. Many of these VOCs and heavy metals are known carcinogens or can lead to reproductive issues.

Our friends at the Breast Cancer Fund have teamed up with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics to compile a new report that will help you keep your kiddos safe this Halloween.

We hope you and your family have a safe and healthy Halloween!