Toxins in Halloween costumes scarier than ghosts

Parents should be aware that some children's face paints intended for Halloween contain toxic heavy metals and other chemicals, according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

The organization found in the children's face paints contain lead, nickel, cobalt and chromium, which can cause lifelong skin sensitization and contact dermatitis.

Specifically, 10 out of 10 tested products contained low levels of lead ranging from 0.05 to 0.65 parts per million and six out the 10 tested products were tainted with nickel, chromium and/or cobalt at levels ranging from 1.6 to 120 ppm, which are higher than what the industry recommends.

"Lead exposures early in life can lead to hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, IQ deficits, reduced school performance, aggression and delinquent behavior," CSC said in a statement.

"It can also impact fertility, including increasing risk for miscarriage and reducing sperm quality. Early-life lead exposure can even increase risk for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease."

CSC warned that these metals are not listed in the ingredient list and some products even bore misleading claims like hypoallergenic and FDA compliant.

Also the Center for Health, Environment and Justice said in a newsletter that many Halloween masks and costumes are sometimes made of PVC, poison plastic which can leach harmful chemical known as phthalates.

CHEJ recommends that when shopping for Halloween masks and costumes, look for those labeled "PVC-free" and if you are not sure, ask the store clerk or manufacturer whether the mask or costume is made out of PVC or vinyl.

By David Liu