<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/31/new-zealand-pfa-chemicals-ban-2026-health-risks>
"New Zealand is banning so-called “forever chemicals” in cosmetics from 2026,
in what could be the first example of a country doing so.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) said it has banned the use of
perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics to protect
people and the environment from the chemicals.
PFAS are added to cosmetics to smooth the skin, or to make cosmetic products
more durable, spreadable and water resistant.
They are a class of about 14,000 chemicals often used to make products
resistant to water, stains and heat and are called “forever chemicals” because
they are virtually indestructible.
An increasing international body of evidence is linking PFAS with cancers,
birth defects and negative effects on the immune systems of humans and animals.
The chemicals have been detected in drinking water sources, sea foam and spray,
rain and groundwater, sea ice, and human blood and are found in cosmetics such
as shaving cream and lipstick, as well as Teflon pans and pizza boxes.
The EPA said that although the chemicals were found in a small number of
cosmetic products, it was taking a precautionary approach to any potential
risks. The cosmetic ban is part of a wider response to protect against the
chemicals, including testing for background levels of PFAS in the environment,
and phasing out PFAS-firefighting foams.
“We know these chemicals don’t easily break down, they can build up in our
bodies, and some can be toxic at high levels,” said Dr Shaun Presow, the EPA’s
hazardous substances reassessments manager.
The EPA publicly consulted on the rule changes in 2023 and received 20
submissions, including 14 from the cosmetics industry.
Presow said the EPA would work with the industry to manage the transition
before the changes take effect."
Via
What Could Go Right? S5 E17
https://theprogressnetwork.org/us-voting-systems-election-security/
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
