Acetylethyltetramethyltetralin, a widely used synthetic fragance material, was found to cause neurotoxic effects in animals. 6-Methylcoumarin, another fragance material, was determined to be a photocontact allergen. Insufficient information on their usage, consumer exposure and likely hazard to human health under conditions of use impair regulatory decisions. FDA's ability to protect consumers against a health hazard is greatly influenced by the availability of such data.
To protect consumers from unsafe or decptively labeled cosmetics, the Food and Drug Administration promulgates regulations, conducts factory inspections, investigates mardeted products, evaluates consumer complaints, maintains registries of voluntarily submitted formulation and adverse reaction information, and carries out analytical, microbiological and toxicological studies. There has been a significant shift in program priorities from surveillance activities to scientific research and the determination of systemic hazards to health. Major scientific efforts involve studies to determine the dermal toxicity of cosmetics, develop methods for predicting the efficacy of preservatives, and answer questions about the skin penetration and carcinogenicity of nitrosodiethanolamine. A further issue of concern is the carcinogenic hazard of hair dyes.
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