A British newspaper claimed that the chemicals may cause abnormalities in male reproductive organs.

Chanel No 5, Christian Dior's Poison, Eternity from Calvin Klein and Tresor by Lancome were among 34 leading brands of toiletries found by a Swedish study to contain phthalates, a group of chemicals that may cause birth defects, according to a report in Britain's Sunday Times newspaper.

However, an expert panel of the United States-based Cosmetic Ingredient Review ruled several days before the report was published that phthalates, used to help prevent loss of fragrance, posed no health threat to cosmetics users.

The panel's decision obviously conflicts with health advocates who say this kind of chemical, which can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, should be banned from beauty products.

China's health ministry is in the process of evaluating the data and, if a health hazard does exist, it will take effective measures to control such cosmetics and protect the health and welfare of consumers, said an official of the Food and Cosmetics Supervision Office under the ministry.

(China Daily November 30, 2002)