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FDA: Some lipstick contaminated with lead

Published On: Feb 15 2012 10:29:31 PM EST  Updated On: Feb 16 2012 05:35:36 AM EST

FDA: Lipstick contaminated with lead

WEST READING, Pa. -

It's not a pretty picture--puckering up and putting on lipstick could also mean using lead on your lips.

The FDA found trace amounts of lead in 400 different lipsticks.  And a consumer group wants to get the lead out.

For many women, looking their best means wearing lipstick.

"I think lipstick really finishes off your professional look and makes you look a little bit extra special," said Pam Shupp of Birdsboro.

The FDA studied 400 different lipsticks and found trace amounts of lead. Officials said it's not a safety concern because of the small amount of lead found and the fact that lipstick is not intended to be swallowed.

"I do find it concerning," said Shupp.

Many women inadvertently consume their lipstick and reapply.

"Probably about three or four times a day," said Shupp.

There's lots of reasons why we re-apply our lipstick, but could a kiss be cause for concern?

"Kissing your baby is not going to be a problem," said Dr. Eve Kimball of All About Children Pediatric Partners.

Kimball looks for lead in kids.

"You don't know you have lead poisoning until it's killed off a lot of brain cells, 120, 150 and you start having seizures," said Kimball.

She looked at the FDA study and noted the highest amount of lead found was about 7 parts per million.

"For the smallest of children the acknowledged acceptable lead level is 200 parts per million in soil, where you don't ingest it," said Kimball.

Dr. Kimball said lead has been taken out of many products, but it's surprising which ones still have it.

"I did not know. You got me," said Kimball.

That's because the color she was wearing we found on the FDA's list.

"If people are concerned, they can ask their physician to order lead level," said Dr. Kimball.

But she agreed with the FDA that the amounts found in lipstick are low. 

"It's not a cause for panic," said Kimball, "It is cause to ask the manufacturers why do they have to put lead in lipstick."

"It's good because I don't think any of us women are ready to stop wearing lipstick," said Shupp.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics said there is no such thing as a safe lead level.

At Tina's Salon and Day Spa they said they use a brand that is lead-free.  If you're concerned about your brand you can find the complete list here.

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