JOY FEELINGS MAGAZINE December 2016 New Year issue | Page 64

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Musks - Galaxolide, Tonalide, musk xylene and musk
ketone are musks, which are popular replacements for
natural ingredients once used as fragrances in cosmetics.
Different musks have different hazardous properties.
Although data on their toxicity are scarce, some musks
appear to have effects on reproduction. A 2009 study of
Austrian students detected 11 different musks in their
blood. Galaxolide was found in 83% of the students. The
highest levels were found in students who used the most
lotion and perfume. Canada has restricted the use of two
little used musks -- musk ambrette and musk tibetene -- in
cosmetics, but has no restrictions on the more commonly
used musks. The European Union has identified musk
xylene as a substance of very high concern.
Nanoparticles - Nanoparticles are particles from known
chemicals that are manipulated to extremely small
dimensions in order to attain certain properties. Widely
used in personal care products, particularly sunscreens,
the original chemical will be listed on ingredient lists of
Canadian cosmetics but there is no requirement to
indicate whether it is present in nano form. Nanoparticles
are untested for their effects on human health. Their small
size means that they can enter the body more easily and
have greater access to vulnerable organs and tissues.
Animal studies suggest that some nanomaterials in the
body cause inflammation, damage brain cells and cause
pre-cancerous lesions. The European Union has ruled that
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