Study: Lead found in popular children's face paints

Tests of popular face paints used for Halloween costumes have prompted a new health warning for lead contamination.

While all the products tested do not violate the FDA's limits on lead and other metal ingredients, critics argue lead should not be in any products for children, that any amount, no matter how small, is just too dangerous.

While they say they're safe, a new study sponsored by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found traces of lead in 10 products easily available in stores and on the Internet.

The test by an independent laboratory found all 10 paints contain lead, and six of the products contained traces of nickel, cobalt and/or chromium. The CDC found that lead exposure can cause developmental problems.

Dr. Samuel Epstein is professor emeritus of environmental and occupational medicine at UIC's School of Public Health and chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition.

"You are dealing with something that is highly toxic to the nervous system and these effects can be irreversible," said Epstein.

The products tested include: Alex face paint, Mehron glow in the dark Fantasy FX, Snazaroo face painting kit, Jovi make-up and Mehron 6-pack greasepaint crayons.

The agency representing the cosmetics industry, the Personal Care Products Council, released a statement that reads in part quote "...the trace levels of naturally occurring heavy metals reportedly found in the products are well below the allowable levels set by FDA for approved colors and do not present a safety concern."

But lead is considered by experts to be a probable human carcinogen.

"There is no such thing as a safe level of carcinogen," said Epstein.

For some parents, the risk isn't worth it.

"It's not like it's the only thing out there, so I would avoid it at all costs," said Stacey Meyer, mother.

If you choose to use face paint, the FDA says it should be kept away from mouths and eyes and should not be used at all if it has a bad smell.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics also offers homemade face paint recipes on their Web site.