Some makeup, like a number of waterproof mascaras and long wear foundation products, are known to contain per and  polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are so hard to break down that they're known as forever chemicals. The i Paper's Lucie Heath explains the link between these chemicals and health problems including infertility and even cancer. #healthnews #foreverchemicals #makeup

Why could your makeup be given you cancer? It's all to do with forever chemicals. Some makeup, like waterproof mascara and long wear foundation, are known to contain pear or polyfluory alcohol substances or PFAS. These chemicals are so hard to break down that they're known as forever chemicals. They're linked to serious health problems, including infertility and even cancer. The problems arise when these chemicals get into our bloodstream. They're in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even the makeup we put on. Some brands advertise PFAS-free, but many still use these chemicals in products like mascara and foundation to ensure that they're long lasting. It's really hard to avoid them, which is why some countries are leading the way in banning them. France and New Zealand have both recently banned the sale of cosmetic shoes in PFAS, but the UK is lagging behind. This month, the UK government launched its first ever PFAS strategy in which it said it would consider the bands being introduced by other countries. A coalition of environmental and health charities have urged the UK to go further and faster. This includes breast cancer UK, which is calling on the UK government to set out a timeline for how chemicals will be phased out in non-essential products, such as cosmetics.