This week the California Department of Public Health opened the gates on a new database that will allow people -- and not just Californians -- to know if the personal care products they buy contain toxic ingredients. This database is the centerpiece of the California Safe Cosmetics Program, the product of a law the Breast Cancer Fund championed in 2005.
Was the wait worth it? Absolutely. The program requires cosmetics manufacturers to report to the state any ingredient that causes cancer or birth defects for products sold in California. Consumers will be able to access this data and decide for themselves if they want to wash their hair with carcinogens or soften their elbows with reproductive toxicants (and really, who would?).
There's more good news here: Did you know that "fragrance" on a label can actually contain dozens -- if not hundreds -- of ingredients? Some are harmful, some are not, but they don't have to be listed on the product so you can't know. But the database will know, because the law specifies that toxic components of "fragrance" must be flagged, too. Does the vanilla scent in your hand lotion include a carcinogen? Now you'll know.
Manufacturers have until October 15, 2009 to report toxic ingredients to the state. Consumers can look forward to viewing the data a few months from now (date TBA).
Getting a law passed is great, but seeing it through to fruition is the real prize. We've been stakeholders during the implementation process, and we'll be watching as the data flows in. In the meantime, you can help us continue to make sure all the laws we've supported fulfill their public health potential by making a donation.
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