FDA Reports That Many Lipsticks Contain Lead | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

New studies suggest that hundreds of brands of lipstick may contain dangerous amounts of lead. Analyses done at the request of, and with funding by, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration revealed that nearly 400 kinds of lipstick sold in the United States, from dozens of manufacturers, contain detectable concentrations of the toxic and brain-damaging metal.

According to the Mayo Clinic, lead poisoning occurs when the substance builds up in the body over a period of months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. However the FDA’s duty to warn consumers of this type of dangerous product does not arise until lead concentration reaches 5 parts per million.

In the FDA study, the overwhelming majority of the lipsticks fell below that threshold. But two that exceeded it were Maybelline’s Pink Petal and L’Oreal’s Colour Riche Volcanic.

As a Virginia (VA) personal injury lawyer, I know that dangerous products can come in all shapes and sizes. If you have been injured or made sick by a cosmetic and have questions, please read this free consumer guide on dangerous and defective products.

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