Trick-or-Treating for Lead-Free Lipstick October 2007

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?key=448738309&url_num=1&url=http://www.enviroblog.org/2007/10/lead-in-lipstick.htm

The thrill of trick-or-treating lies in the unknown: will it be chocolate or gummy worms?

But when you're shopping for lipstick, you shouldn't have to cross your fingers and hope you get something good.

An October report by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, of which EWG is a founding member, found lead in 61% of the 33 top-brand lipsticks tested -- including L'Oreal, Cover Girl, and Christian Dior.

Lead is linked to learning and behavioral problems, but alarmingly, FDA doesn't regulate it in cosmetics.

Before you top off your Halloween look with lipstick, search for it in Skin Deep and read the report.

Something's Fishy Here:
Industry Skeletons in the Closet

This Halloween, what's spookier than a ghoul or witch? How about this story from The Washington Post.

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?key=448738309&url_num=4&url=http://www.ewg.org/node/25493

On October 4, the Post reported on a "study" telling pregnant women to eat at least 12 oz of fish per week. The problem? Many fish contain dangerous levels of mercury, which can damage unborn babies. And FDA, CDC, and NIH recommend women limit fish consumption to 12 oz or less per week.

The article failed to mention that this fishy advice came from none other than the fish industry itself, under the guise of a coalition of respected health organizations. In reality, the health organizations blatantly disagree with the study's unhealthy advice.

EWG called out the skeletons in the coalition's closet and prompted further investigations by other news outlets.

The truth is simple. Pregnant women should eat fish high in omega-3s and low in mercury -- and stick to 12 oz or less per week.

Click here to get EWG's Safe Fish List

Permission to Breathe Freely:
Senate Passes Asbestos Ban

You don't have to go to a haunted house to find lung-damaging asbestos. It's banned in dozens of countries, but the U.S. is behind the times.

This known carcinogen has been used in everything from vinyl floors to car parts. In 2004, EWG found that asbestos kills 10,000 Americans every year -- 2,500 more people than skin cancer.

So this month's Senate bill, which cites EWG's work, is a victory. But it must still pass the House and escape presidential veto. Contact your Representative and ask them to support the Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007 (H.R.3285).