Cancer myth:Lipstick and cancer
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Origin of the myth
Recently an Australian newspaper ran a story stating: “Chemicals found in lipstick and nail varnish could trigger breast cancer, scientists have warned.” This story suggested that butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) caused breast cancer. Another myth suggests that lead in lipsticks is toxic and causes cancer.
Current evidence
Butyl Benzyl Phthalate
Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (BBP) belongs to a class of chemicals called phthalates which
have properties similar to the female hormone oestrogen.
Studies on rats have linked BBP to changes in the reproductive system. These changes
include reduced sperm count, genital changes, lower birth weights in offspring, and
hormonal changes. It is important to note that these changes were observed at very
high doses of BBP.[1]
Recently, the Centre for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (CERHR)
estimated that the general population in the United States of America is exposed to
about 2 micrograms (μg) of BBP per kilogram of body weight per day (μg/kg/day).
Another study suggested that most people are exposed to 4 μg/kg/day. Lower birth
weights were observed in rats as a result of ingesting 100 μg/kg/day. Hormonal and
genital changes and reduced sperm count were not observed until doses reached 500
μg/kg/day. This is 125 times greater than the highest estimate of what the general
population is currently exposed to.[1]
Studies on rats also have linked BBP exposure with increases in the number of bladder and benign (non-cancerous) pancreatic tumours and impaired development of the male reproductive system. These results have not been reliably repeated in humans.[2]
The Report on Carcinogens is a list of known or reasonably anticipated human carcinogens (cancer causing substances). BBP is not included in this list. The International Agency for Research in Cancer (IARC) also does not recognise BBP as carcinogenic.[2]
Lead
Some red lipsticks contain lead at very low levels as a red colour additive. In 2007 a group called the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested 33 lipsticks and detected lead in levels which exceeded the limitations for lead in confectionary. This caused some concern in the public, even though the levels were not sufficiently high to cause any health effects. It is worth noting that confectionary is intended for ingestion, often by small children, whereas lipstick is only applied to the lips.[3]
Very high lead exposure has been linked to impaired reproduction and behavioural, learning and language difficulties.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has evaluated inorganic and organic lead compounds, using blood lead levels to assess exposure. Inorganic lead compounds were assessed to be probably carcinogenic to humans and organic lead compounds are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity in humans, meaning that there is not enough evidence to make a judgement. These assessments are based on exposure that is high enough to cause elevated blood lead levels.[4]
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not established safe levels for lead use in cosmetics as it does not consider lead exposure from cosmetics to be significant.[5]
Summary
Although high exposure to lead and BBP is unsafe, the levels found in lipstick are insufficient to have adverse health effects. Current BBP exposures in the general population are too low to cause cancer or reproductive abnormalities. We are exposed to lead every day through our environment, and the trace amounts found in lipsticks is only a concern if it accumulates with lead from other sources. Major sources of lead, such as lead based paints and solder, have been restricted since awareness of the effects of lead has increased.
References
- Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (CERHR), NTP-CERHR
Monograph on the Potential Human Reproductive and Developmental Effects of Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (BBP), Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (CERHR), Editor. 2006, National Toxicology Program - US Department of Health andHuman Services,. - International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Volume 73: Some Chemicals that Cause Tumours of the Kidney or Urinary Bladder in Rodents and Some Other
Substances, in IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, IARC, Editor. 2006, IARC: Lyon, France. - The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. A Poison Kiss: The Problem of Lead in Lipstick. 2007 [cited 10/01/2008]; Available from:
http://www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=327. - International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Volume 87: Inorganic and Organic Lead Compounds, in IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, IARC, Editor. 2006, IARC: Lyon, France.
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). Lipstick and Lead: Questions
and Answers. 2007 March 20, 2006 [cited 2008 03/01/2008]; Available from:
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/ProductInformation/ucm137224.htm.
