Among 25 types of perfume and 25 types of nail polish tested by the Consumers’ Foundation, three perfumes contained di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) — including one exceeding the legal limit, while eight products contained diethyl phthalate (DEP), both of which could harm users’ health.
The foundation yesterday said it randomly bought the perfumes and nail polishes from various stores and hypermarkets in six cities and counties in July and August, and had them tested for phthalates at the Electronics Testing Center and a laboratory at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU).
The test results showed none of the nail polish products contained phthalates exceeding legal limits, but four products did not meet the labeling requirements stipulated by the Statute for Control of Cosmetic Hygiene (化粧品衛生管理條例).
Among the perfumes tested, Dolly Girl by Anna Sui (eau de toilette spray) was found to contain DEHP levels exceeding the legal limit of 100 parts per million (ppm), and should be taken off shelves.
Two other perfume products were found with DEHP levels between 20 to 30ppm, and eight products found with DEP levels exceeding 100ppm, it added.
NTHU chemistry professor Ling Yong-chien (林永健) said that according to a list of chemicals in cosmetics prohibited or restricted by the Food and Drug Administration, DEHP should not be used in cosmetics, but they are difficult to manufacture without it, so the legal limit was set at 100ppm.
Although there is no legal limit for DEP levels in cosmetics, exposure to the substance can harm the human body, he said, adding that phthalate exposure might lead to increased risks of hypospadias or testicular cancer in men, and breast cancer or endometrial cancer in women.
The foundation urged the government to set a legal limit for DEP levels in cosmetics to protect consumers from overexposure to the chemical, and that consumers are encouraged to read the instructions carefully before usage, especially people with sensitive skin.
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