Oct 29, 2009 7:00 pm US/Eastern
Study: Halloween Face Paint Dangerous For Children
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Face paints are a Halloween staple, but a new study has raised safety concerns around their use.
CBS
Face paints are a Halloween staple, but a new study has raised safety concerns around their use, CBS station WCBS-TV reports. The research shows they may contain toxins dangerous to kids, yet the harmful substances aren't listed on the package.
It's a crucial part of many Halloween costumes, getting just the right look with face paints. But tests ordered by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics came up with some pretty scary results.
"Unfortunately we found lead in all 10 of the products we sent to the lab and six of the ten contained heavy metals that are allergens," said Mia Davis of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.
The lead in the paint is particularly concerning.
"We know that at any level, lead can be toxic," said pediatrician Dr. Sean Paltry.
Paltry and an expert on lead poisoning said children can get the face paint on their hands and lips, and it can be dangerous if absorbed into the body.
"It can affect your ability to learn, your ability to speak, your activity, your attention," said Paltry.
Paint makers are not required to include lead and other toxins in the in ingredients on the packaging, and that has parents surprised and worried.
"I probably won't use it if it has lead in it. I didn't know," one concerned parent told CBS 2.
"I think there should be stricter labelling practices in place for something like that," said another.
So what should parents do?
"We're actually recommending that parents don't use face paints until safety standards are set," said Davis.
Paltry advised that parents should consider other options.
"Make your own face paints. Do your best to keep any commercial face paints out of mouth or eyes or hands," he said.
In addition to lead, the research also found nickel, cobalt, and chromium in some of the face paints, which can cause allergic reactions.
The harmful effects of lead are usually associated with prolonged exposure, so one night of Halloween face paint may not make a difference, but the only way to be 100 percent safe is to not have any exposure at all.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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