Mercury in mascara and its potential long term health effects.
It isn't just household cleaning products and bubble bath that you ought to worry about when planning a baby - take a look at your make up bag.
Did you know that mascara and other beauty products contain mercury, which is used as a preservative?
'Mercury does cause neurological damage to people even in tiny doses', said Democrat John Marty.
Minnesota in the USA is now the first state to ban mercury in cosmetics. It is one of the most toxic substances known to mankind and can cause miscarriage and birth defects in babies and retardation in both babies and children. For this reason, the UK's department of health advised pregnant women not to have mercury fillings and to avoid fish meats with high levels of mercury.
Childhood vaccines which contain mercury are also being phased out. (Flu vaccine for babies and adults still contain it, so if you're contemplating a pregnancy, check any shots don't have added mercury).
Before this time, however, mascara has never been mentioned.
Now if a manufacturer fails to disclose mercury in their products, they could face a fine of as much as $10,000. In fact, putting the toxic substance in any product would mean a fine of $700.
