California's 2005 Cosmetic Safety Act remains substantially unenforced at best. That watered-down law, initially intended to require labels to reflect cancer-causing ingredients, was compromised to simply require manufacturers to disclose their product ingredients to the state, so the state will know if they contain chemicals which are scientifically established to cause reproductive toxicity and cancer.
Reproductive freedom includes the freedom to give birth without over 200 known toxic chemicals in the cord blood. It has been argued that the most concentrated form of human food contaminated more densely than any other is human breast milk. Nevertheless, breast milk remains far and away the healthiest and safest choice for mother and baby. “CANOW wants to see more resources directed towards researching the environmental causes of cancer.” According to CANOW President, Patty Bellasalma, “We applaud our sister organization, Breast Cancer Action which through their Think Before You Pink campaign has highlighted the blatant hypocrisy of certain companies which pinkwash products by identifying their corporation with the battle against breast cancer, yet continue to sell products containing chemicals that are suspected or known to have carcinogenic effects and reproductive toxicity.”
Given the facts, it is imperative for every consumer to inquire about ingredients. Products claiming to include "fragrance" might be referring to natural botanical lavender flower oil or benzophenone -4 mixed with an unidentified or untested concoction of known and unknown carcinogenic chemicals. Until the 2005 Cosmetic Safety Act is enforced in California, consumers can’t tell! So why are politicians making excuses about why this law remains unenforced by a large portion, if not a majority, of personal care products sold in the state? This is 2010. Why does the 2005 Cosmetic Safety Act remain unenforced for a large portion of cosmetics sold in California stores?
We must protect that which we care about. Raising money for the cure is not enough. We must turn our attention to avoiding cancer in the first place. That we don't raise pennies on the dollar for prevention and environmental carcinogen research reflects our society's affection and love for those embattled with cancer. But our wisdom as a movement must look towards the skyrocketing cancer rates and ask WHY?
Using music as the venue, the California chapter of the National Organization for Women (CA NOW) announces our campaign to enforce the 2005 Cosmetic Safety Act. On June 16th and 19th, Stacy Malkan, author of Not Just a Pretty Face: the Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry will make the announcement for CANOW at two upcoming feminist music events: Women Rock at the Independent in San Francisco and Nefertiti’s Tea Jubilee in Geyserville at the Isis Oasis.
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