Mascara has mercury to keep the product fresh. According to a report on MSNBC and a local CBS affiliate, there have been people poisoned from using beauty products that contain mercury. It is not clear if all companies use the same amount to preserve the mascara, but any amount of poison should be avoided. Minnesota is the first state to ban mercury in cosmetics. It is everyone's duty to share this information to protect the ones we love. Maybe some will take the issue up with their states as well.
In the mean time, dermatologists say to use products that have less than 10 ingredients. Be sure to find out what are the ingredients on all makeup products and avoid those that do not have a complete list. Women must be careful in purchasing other makeup too because there could be mercury levels that could be harmful. Even eye drops could have some mercury as a preservative. Small amounts are not immediately dangerous, but it seems like anything used over the years could have severe repercussions. The best solution is to contact a dermatologist, or your favorite make-up companies to see what products are safe. Toxic chemicals seem to be all too prevalent in most products we consume, and we should speak out against it. Large companies that are found to have toxic chemicals should be boycotted until they adjust their ways. Also, customers of mascara particularly should start an online petition to send the corporations.
Make-up is great, but only if it safe. Make sure to check your favorite product and see how to take an active role in making change. Mercury is not safe and retailers who knowingly sell mercury containing cosmetics in Minnesota could face fines of as much as $700. Penalties could reach $10,000 for manufacturers who fail to disclose mercury on product labels, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Let's see how many other states will follow the example.
