Toxic Chemicals In Many Cosmetics Targeted In Senate Bill
As a new study finds dangerous chemicals present in over half the mascaras, lipsticks and foundations sold in the U.S., Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act.
The Washington Post:
Senate Bill Would Ban Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ In Makeup, Which New Study Found Are Often Unlabeled
Cosmetics distributed in the United States and Canada are rife with a class of chemicals that have been associated with a number of diseases, including cancer, and frequently aren’t labeled accurately, according to a new study. Over the last three years, researchers tested 231 cosmetics products in North America for fluorine, an indicator of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. The study found fluorine in 56 percent of foundations and eye products, 48 percent of lip products and 47 percent of mascaras. (Root, 6/15)
AP:
Study: Half Of US Cosmetics Contain Toxic Chemicals
More than half the cosmetics sold in the United States and Canada are awash with a toxic industrial compound associated with serious health conditions, including cancer and reduced birth weight, according to a new study. Researchers at the University of Notre Dame tested more than 230 commonly used cosmetics and found that 56% of foundations and eye products, 48% of lip products and 47% of mascaras contained fluorine — an indicator of PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals” that are used in nonstick frying pans, rugs and countless other consumer products. (Daly, 6/15)
In other news from Capitol Hill —
Modern Healthcare:
Senators Advocate For Pay Models That Integrate Primary, Mental Healthcare
Promising results from a federal demonstration has spurred a bipartisan group of senators to push for new pay models that support integrating primary care and behavioral health. It comes at a time when demand for mental health servcies have spiked due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted—and exacerbated—the mental and behavioral health challenges we continue to confront," Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho said during a Senate Finance Committee hearing Tuesday. "Loss of loved ones, increased isolation and delayed treatment prompted a spike in anxiety, depression and other debilitating conditions. While many are returning to their pre-pandemic lives, we should not be content to allow our mental health care delivery system to revert to its pre-pandemic ways." (Gellman, 6/15)
Healthcare IT News:
Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill Aimed At Safeguarding Rural Telehealth Access
U.S. senators this past week introduced another bill aimed at making telehealth flexibilities permanent under Medicare – including audio-only telehealth appointments. The Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act is geared toward ensuring underserved community health providers are able to continue accessing virtual care beyond the end of the public health emergency. (Jercich, 6/15)
The Hill:
Democrat Says He Won't Introduce Resolution To Censure Greene After Her Apology
Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) said Tuesday that he is scrapping plans to introduce a resolution to censure Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) after she apologized for comparing mask and vaccine rules during the COVID-19 pandemic to the Holocaust. Schneider, who is Jewish, said that he was "pleasantly surprised" to see Greene visit the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington on Monday and make a public apology. (Marcos, 6/15)
