Black Women Empowered by Environmentalist’s Toxic Beauty Product Warning
Magnificence and Well being: The Intersection of Magnificence Merchandise and Public Well being
Heather McTeer Toney, a number one environmental justice advocate, shares her journey of transitioning away from utilizing dangerous magnificence merchandise in her new guide, “Earlier than the Streetlights Come On: Black America’s Pressing Name for Local weather Options.” She highlights the significance of increasing the dialog round local weather change and public well being to incorporate poisonous chemical compounds present in magnificence merchandise.
McTeer Toney emphasizes the impression of residing close to industrial vegetation on pores and skin well being and the need of understanding the substances in magnificence merchandise. She advocates for Black people to take possession of their well being and wonder selections, a shift from conforming to Eurocentric magnificence requirements prevalent prior to now.
Research have proven that Black girls, who usually tend to stay in communities uncovered to dangerous pollution, are additionally disproportionately affected by the utilization of chemical-laden cosmetics. Components like lye in relaxers and formaldehyde in hair straighteners have raised considerations resulting from their dangerous results on pores and skin and hyperlinks to most cancers.
The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) is a big step in direction of regulating the sweetness business, giving the FDA extra authority over product security. Nonetheless, advocates like Elissia Franklin consider that extra must be carried out to ban poisonous substances and enhance transparency in ingredient labeling.
Researchers like Ami Zota and Bhavna Shamasunder spotlight the societal pressures that push Black girls to make use of dangerous merchandise like vaginal douches and pores and skin lighteners, contributing to well being dangers resembling pelvic inflammatory illness and most cancers. The affordability of those merchandise makes it difficult for low-income communities to entry safer alternate options.
Dr. Robert Bullard, often called the “father” of the environmental justice motion, requires instant motion to remove dangerous substances from magnificence merchandise. He stresses the significance of prioritizing well being and advocating for safer alternate options to guard customers.
McTeer Toney urges Black communities to leverage their shopping for energy and advocate for clear vitality, environmental justice, and infrastructure growth to strengthen communities and fight local weather change. By taking management of their well being and wonder selections, African People can create a more healthy future for themselves and future generations.
Total, the intersection of magnificence merchandise, public well being, and environmental justice highlights the necessity for elevated consciousness, regulation, and shopper advocacy to make sure the security and well-being of all people, no matter their pores and skin coloration or financial standing.
