Increasing use of hazardous preservatives – action needed for protection of health and environment

Numerous preservatives and other biocides are potent sensitizers at skin contact. Many of them are also hazardous to the environment. The allergy is lifelong and those sensitized must avoid skin exposure to the substance for avoidance of allergic contact dermatitis that may affect the ability to work and quality of life.

Massive increase in use

The purpose of the study was to increase knowledge of how EU chemicals legislations and the use of the most problematic preservatives in chemical products have changed over time, while the use in cosmetics is better known. The study shows that the use of most problematic substances has increased dramatically. The study also shows that ingredient labelling of skin sensitizing preservatives often is lacking owing to the requirements of legislations. Cosmetics and detergents are, today, the only products with mandatory ingredient labelling of preservatives. Some preservatives, particularly isothiazolinones, have caused massive outbreaks of contact allergy owing to their widespread use. Therefore, it is often difficult to avoid risky contact and skin disease. Paint, adhesives, and putty are examples of products that often contain these harmful chemicals.