Environmental Public Health Commons^™

U.S. Cosmetic Policy Reform: A Growing Need To Protect Communities Of Color From Exposure To Toxic Chemicals, Amna Haslam

Master's Projects and Capstones

Women of color are at a higher risk of exposure to toxic chemicals because of their use of more personal care products when compared to white women. A literature review was conducted focusing on mercury, a highly toxic heavy metal, found in some skin lightening creams used in Latinx, Black, and Southeast Asian communities to evaluate the impact of toxic chemicals used in communities of color. The use of skin lightening products is associated with the perception of beauty and social advantage. Further, women of color regardless of educational attainment experience the same social pressures to lighten their skin. This …