The European Union has adopted a much stricter policy on the regulation of chemicals in cosmetics than the United States. The EU has banned thousands of chemicals from being used in cosmetics, while the US has illegalized only a few. The compounds found in these cosmetics, such as mercury and other compounds, could be harmful to the health of the population, which has contributed to banning the use of some of the chemicals used to make beauty products. All cosmetics contain elements, atoms, and molecules at the most fundamental level (Panico et al.1). The ingredients in cosmetics are usually the same elements found naturally in the environment. These contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Atoms unite to form molecules, which might be organic compounds or inorganic compounds (Panico et al.1). Organic molecules, such as those found in plant-based goods, are generally considered safe for use. In contrast, inorganic compounds such as Zinc oxide can cause allergic reactions creating a health hazard. Therefore, the leeway provided under the US policy on partial ban exposes people to potential health hazards
When chemicals, such as those in cosmetics, are not regulated, they can cause harm to humans. Some of these compounds may be poisonous, teratogenic, or carcinogenic and toxic. A toxin is any chemical that can be hazardous to individuals or the environment. Teratogenic chemicals such as mercury in lipstick can cause birth deformities, whereas carcinogenic chemicals can cause cancer. Mutations in the DNA of the cells can also be caused by specific substances which alter the normal formation of the chromosomes affecting the genetic makeup. (Panico et al.1). At the atomic level, it is essential that the elements making up a molecule is stable and not prone to react with other substances. In the US, the 13 banned chemicals are known to be unstable and reactive, making them hazardous to human health. For instance, the UN banned doralydhyde, used in cosmetics in the US, as it interacts negatively with DNA and proteins in the body (Panico et al.1). In contrast, the EU’s ban includes a wide range of organic compounds and toxins that are potentially hazardous. This includes substances that are known to be teratogenic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic. These substances can have a severe and lasting effect on human health, and the EU’s ban is designed to protect its citizens from potential harm. Organic compounds are molecules that contain both carbon and hydrogen atoms. They are found in a wide variety of cosmetics and can be beneficial or harmful depending on their chemical structure. Some organic compounds, such as those containing phthalates, are known to be endocrine disruptors and can cause reproductive health issues. The EU’s ban on compounds such as Tricolsan is a strategy to protect the general population. This factor indicates that the US is putting its people a high risk of being affected by teratogens.
Banning a few chemical compounds in beauty products is one justification that the government is doing less to protect its citizens. The reason is that some of the chemicals used in beauty products, such as mercury, doralydhyde, and Tricolsan, are harmful to the human body, considering that they are associated with health complications, even altering the body’s normal makeup cells. Therefore, the US is not justified in allowing the use of chemicals that could result in health consequences.
Work Cited
Panico, A., et al. “Skin safety and health prevention: an overview of chemicals in cosmetic products.” Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene vol, 60, no.1, 2019. Web.