Why FemmeToxic? It all started with an idea. Constructive frustration.
Stéphanie Najjar
It all started with an idea. Constructive frustration.
Until last year, before I joined ‘FemmeToxic’, cosmetics and the toxic ingredients they contained weren’t an issue for me. On the contrary, cosmetics were a two-in-one solution to compensate for my lack of confidence and my desire to please. I never imagined that the layers of powder and black that I applied on my face were actually highly toxic doses of dangerous chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, lead, or xenoestrogens.
The irony is that I was (and still am!) a very socially aware kid. Despite my awareness of social injustices, conflicts and any number of environment-related issues, I was completely unaware of the potential health hazards of cosmetics. It was only after I came across a BCAM ad looking for women to militate on behalf of safer cosmetics that the importance of this issue took its place in my consciousness. After a first meeting, when I realized the extent of my ignorance, I went home to do extensive research on the topic.
Cosmetics are a principle source of toxic chemicals that enter your bloodstream and disrupt your system. Immunotoxicity, respiratory disruption, neurotoxicity: the links between the chemicals found in everyday personal care products and health are of increasing concern. The point is this: We, the consumers of these products, have to take this matter into our own hands – because if you think (as I used to) that you are safe, that our government protects your health by regulating what the beauty industry puts in their products, then you are way off track. In fact, what goes into these products is primarily driven by business issues rather than safety concerns. Cosmetic companies are first and foremost industries: their number one priority is to make decisions that will be profitable.
Few people are aware of health problems that might lurk after long-term use of cosmetics and personal care products. One more reason why demanding safer cosmetics should be a pressing issue! This is where Fem
meToxic comes in.
As a BCAM project, we aim to empower women as well as to raise awareness about the alarming issue of toxic ingredients in cosmetics. Sensitizing others is a major part of our program, but we also give great importance to taking action, being active agents of change. Refuse to be toxified! Demand safer cosmetics!
I hope this short article helps to better define what FemmeToxic does and why it had to come into existence. Get in-depth analyses of issues, updates on our activities and progress, and other stories of amazing women who are part of the FemmeToxic campaign by visiting us at www.femmetoxic.com!
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Why FemmeToxic? first appeared in Volume 18, No. 2 Spring 2010 of the BCAM Bulletin.