Chemicals which are being linked to serious ailments like cancer have been found in the beauty products of many popular brands in Britain. Their use in the country is not illegal but 5 member countries of the European Union are about to bring in a proposal to ban them. In Britain, around 30 NGOs have demanded to impose bans on PFAS. Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), are resistant to oil and water, due to which they are in high demand and usage in the makeup industry.
These are used in the beauty products for making the makeup long-lasting, a better finish, and for protecting the eyeshadow and lipstick application for long periods of time. Chemical bonds in PFAS are strong, which do not break down naturally, and as a result, when the beauty products made with them are washed and cleaned up, these substances get collected in rivers and in the soil. These substances have also been found in human blood.
Despite all this, dozens of products which are made using PFAS are being sold in the markets. High usage of such chemicals is often linked with cancer, birth-related deformities, and ailments like thyroid. In innumerable studies, bringing animals in contact with PFAS has resulted in birth-related deformities, negative impact to the liver, and young deaths.
