Environment

Cosmetic Solutions: The Makeup Industry Gives Itself a Health Hazard Makeover

by Diane Farsetta — July 14, 2006 - 6:32pm
  • Topics: Activism, Children, Environment, Health, Public Relations

    • Breast cancer. Genital abnormalities. Distortion and damage of genetic material.

    Common ingredients in cosmetic products have been linked to these hazards. As further research is conducted into the long-term and cumulative effects on cosmetics users, their children and the water supply that products are washed off into, more questions arise. Not that you'd know it by listening to the cosmetics industry.

    An important underlying issue is that the industry is largely self-regulated. While interstate trade in "adulterated or misbranded cosmetics" is prohibited, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review new cosmetics before they are marketed and cannot order recalls of hazardous cosmetics. "Cosmetic firms are responsible for substantiating the safety of their products and ingredients," reads the FDA's own explanation.

    The industry's trade group, the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA), likes this hands-off approach. CTFA has 600 member companies, including Aveda, Clairol, L'Oréal and Unilever, and standing committees on government relations, public affairs and international issues. Its website says CTFA promotes "industry self-regulation and reasonable governmental requirements." But reasonable to who?

    Inspectors: British Nuclear Reactors Rotten to the Core?

    by Jonathan Rosenblum — July 5, 2006 - 10:04am

    Some British nuclear reactor cores contain serious cracks that could limit their continued operation and potentially lead to radioactive releases, according to newly released documents from the government's own nuclear inspectorate. The documents, which had been withheld from the public, were obtained by a group seeking to close one of the most controversial reactors, Hinkley Point B. That reactor has cracks at its graphite core that the owner, British Energy, has little information about and cannot further investigate without shutting down Hinkley and perhaps other similar reactors.

    Main Source: 
    The Guardian (UK), July 5, 2006

    Rove's Buddy Strikes A Gusher with Dirty Drilling Deal

    by Diane Farsetta — June 16, 2006 - 5:29pm

    "A rule designed by the Environmental Protection Agency to keep groundwater clean near oil drilling sites and other construction zones was loosened ... after years of intense industry pressure, including court battles and behind-the-scenes agency lobbying," in addition to a letter from "a well-connected Texas oil executive" to White House advisor Karl Rove, reports the Los Angeles Times.

    Main Source: 
    Los Angeles Times, June 13, 2006

    Coal Miner Buys Support

    by Bob Burton — June 1, 2006 - 4:12am

    Private landowners who sell their land to Centennial Coal for a new coal mine in New South Wales have been offered an extra $A25,000 if they sign contract provisions that require them to support the mine.

    Main Source: 
    Ethical Investor (Australia), June 1, 2006

    Alaska Spends Cool $3 Million on Arctic Oil Campaign

    by Bob Burton — May 15, 2006 - 5:54am

    The government of Alaska has signed a $3 million contract with the Oregon-based PR firm Pac/West Communications, for a campaign promoting oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

    Main Source: 
    PR Week (sub req'd), May 11, 2006

    Chemical Association's PR To Make You Safer

    by Jonathan Rosenblum — May 10, 2006 - 10:01am

    The American Chemistry Council wants you to know that you're safer than you may think when toxic chemicals end up in your local groundwater and air. ACC has announced the hire of ex-Environmental Protection Agency spokesperson Lisa Harrison as its new vice president of communications. Says Ms.

    Main Source: 
    American Chemistry Council, April 26, 2006

    They Really CARE -- About Energy Profits

    by John Stauber — May 7, 2006 - 3:14pm

    Wendy Brown reports, "Critics say the Citizens' Alliance for Responsible Energy ... is a classic front group for the oil-and-gas industry. CARE claims its purpose is to educate people about energy policy and undo some of the spin that left-wing groups have propagated about alternative fuels like ethanol and hydrogen.

    Main Source: 
    The New Mexican, May 7, 2006

    Pity the Poor, Misunderstood Oil Industry

    by Diane Farsetta — May 4, 2006 - 5:11pm

    As gas prices rise and oil companies enjoy record profits, the industry is increasing its PR efforts.

    Main Source: 
    New York Times, May 3, 2006

    Go Nukes

    by Jonathan Rosenblum — May 2, 2006 - 10:54am

    What brings together a former director of Greenpeace and the Republican ex-director of the Environmental Protection Agency? Answer: PR firm billings and promoting a new public radiance for the nuclear power industry.

    Main Source: 
    New York Times, April 25, 2006
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