Political Quotes

“Mr. President, the use of personal care products is virtually universal in this country. These products include everything from shampoo and hair dye to deodorant and lotion. Troubling examples of negative health effects call into question the safety of some of the chemicals used in these products. For example, methylene glycol, which turns into formaldehyde when heated, is a chemical in the popular hair smoothing treatment known as the ``Brazilian Blowout''. Short term exposure has been reported to cause hair loss, rashes, blistered scalps, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, shortness of breath and vomiting. Over the long term, exposure is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Some ingredients in cosmetics may only be safe for use in certain concentrations. Propyl paraben, a widely used preservative, is found in many products and mimics the hormone estrogen. This has the potential to disrupt the endocrine system, which can lead to a variety of health concerns such as reproductive system disorders. In light of this and other examples, consumers deserve to know that the products they use every day are safe. To do this, Federal oversight of the personal care products industry needs to be strengthened. Europe has a robust system of oversight for personal care products, including consumer protections like product registration and ingredient reviews, but in the United States, the industry is regulated largely on a voluntary basis, with a sparse patchwork of state regulations.…”