I am a senior biology major at Colby College. I took Environment and Human Health class and learned how chemical exposure from everyday consumer products can be detrimental to our health. I read ingredient labels of cosmetics and scientific journal articles explaining the toxic health effects of those same cosmetic ingredients. I also read body burden studies conducted by the CDC that prove those ingredients enter our bodies. I am 21 years old and I am looking forward to having kids in the future. I know that my chemical exposure now will affect my pregnancy and my children, even in several years. I worry that the lead in my lipstick and endocrine disruptors in my lotion will affect my fertility and increase my risk of cancer.

The Learning Disabilities Association of Maine and Colby Environmental Studies Program hired me to design a website to help spread the word. For more information on toxic chemicals in consumer products visit: web.colby.edu/cleanmakeup

Sarah Hart
Waterville, Maine