Carried out for the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, this survey aimed to determine the concentration of Methylisothiazolinone (MI, a high allergenic preservative) in selected consumer products (including cosmetics), and, finally, to evaluate the exposure of the individual consumer through the products. Conclusion: even if they comply with the current regulation, most cosmetics containing MI may constitute a risk for the health.
As a background, the report reminds us that Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a preservative and it is added to many different types of water-based products to prevent microbial growth (e.g., bacteria and mold). MI is found in a wide range of consumer products such as cosmetics, household cleaning products, paint, adhesives, varnish and toys. Recently, there has been a serious global increase in the number of people who are allergic to MI. That has led to the initiation of this project by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency.
The objective of this project was to carry out a survey of consumer products containing MI that are sold on the Danish market, to determine the concentration in selected consumer products, and, finally, to evaluate the exposure of the individual consumer through the products.
The legislation
The report also reminds us that MI is regulated by different legislations, depending of the types of products: European CLP regulation for the substance itself, regulation 648/2004 for detergents and household cleaning products or legislations on toys.
In the EU, cosmetics are subject to the Regulation on Cosmetic Products (Regulation no. 1223/2009), and since 2005 it has been permitted to use MI in concentrations of up to 100 …
