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Most perfumes may contain cancer-causing chemical: Report

By Hu Yang (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-10-19 17:25
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A report by the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that 90 percent perfumes on the market contain phthalate, a chemical compound that may cause infertility or even cancer.

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The recently exposed report is based on a survey of cosmetics conducted by the center last year and showed that 92.3 percent of perfumes sampled contain phthalate, but did not name the brands, the China Business Daily (CBN) reported. The newspaper added the center did not respond to its requests for comment.

International perfume brands are more than eager to clarify themselves. LVMH Perfume Cosmetics (Shanghai) Co Ltd said it has confirmed with its headquarters in France that all brands under LVMH, including big names such as CD, Guerlain and Givenchy, are phthalate-free.

China is working on detailed and stricter regulations and standards for cosmetic ingredients, a person with the China Association of Fragrance Flavor and Cosmetic Industries told CBN reporters.