Glossary of Cosmetic and Chemical Terms
| 1,3-butadiene Found in May be an impurity in antiperspirant/deodorants, styling mousse,
shaving cream, hairspray, body spray, mascara, fragrance, lip gloss. Purpose Plasticizer produced from the processing of petroleum, primarily used in the production of synthetic rubber and plastics. Food and cosmetics containers can contain this chemical as a contaminant. It is not deliberately added to cosmetic products but can be present as an impurity in butane – a propellant added to aerosol personal care products. In the EU, 1,3-butadiene is banned for use in cosmetic products. Adverse reactions In low concentrations, 1,3-butadiene is a central nervous system depressant. It is a multiple-organ carcinogen in rats and mice and is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and as a known human carcinogen by bodies such as the National Toxicology Program and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Occupational exposure is associated with leukaemia. There is also some evidence that it is genotoxic (capable of damaging DNA) in humans and it has caused liver and kidney disease and damaged lungs in animals exposed to low levels over a year. Long-term exposure to 1,3-butadiene caused shrinking of the ovaries in female mice and shrinking of the testes in male mice. It also causes adverse effects to the bone marrow and blood of mice. High-level exposure to 1,3-butadiene can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, drowsiness, decrease blood pressure and pulse rate, blurred vision, nausea, vertigo, unconsciousness and even death at high concentrations. It is also irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. |
