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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Latin makeup labels put people with allergies 'at risk'
Makeup and skincare ingredients should be listed in English and not Latin to protect people with allergies, campaigners say. Cosmetic companies display ingredients in Latin, or using scientific names. But MP Becky Gittins, who has a severe nut allergy, said this was a problem as "less than 5% of our young people are educated in Latin". One mum, whose daughter had an allergic reaction to body wash, said cosmetics should be labelled in the same way as food. Makeup influencer Amy Loring said the labelling system was "frustrating" but for some could be "life threatening". The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) said Latin-based names provided a universal language across the globe. Teens fight back against online skincare trends 'Don't do it': Warning against cheap filler and Botox-style injections Cosmetic companies list ingredients according to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), a system which includes thousands of different Latin-based names. For example, sweet almond oil is Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis, peanut oil is Arachis Hypogaea, and wheat germ extract is Triticum Vulgare. Some cosmetic brands also list their ingredients in English, but this is not a requirement. Eve Huang's daughter Elysia, 9, is allergic to cow's milk, coconut, eggs, asparagus, mustard and tree nuts. Elysia's allergies are triggered not just by food but by airborne particles and skin contact. "The Latin puts allergy sufferers at risk and it is so frustrating," said Ms Huang, from Hornchurch in Essex. "Why are allergens not listed in bold? Why are there no warning signs?" Ms Huang said she recently bought Elysia a new skin-sensitive body wash. Within seconds of getting into the bath, Elysia became red and developed a hives rash all over her body. At first, they did not realise the cause was the body wash. Elysia did not develop anaphylaxis - a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction - but she did need to be treated. "A child should not have to take medicine simply for having a bath. A process of getting oneself clean should not make them seriously ill," said Ms Huang. She said birthday parties could also be "a nightmare". "At one party, Elysia was gifted a facial mask in the party bag and I've had to explain she can't use it until I've 'Googled' the Latin names and checked whether it's safe." She added: "Some brands now include English translations, which is useful. But I would like to see similar, if not the same standards, as food packaging." Gittins, the Labour MP for Clwyd East who is behind the campaign for change, has a severe nut allergy. If she were to use products containing nuts it could trigger anaphylaxis. Gittins said at a recent trip to a spa, she had to frantically "Google" Latin terms to check for allergens. "Even on a day that's supposed to be relaxing, I was still mitigating risk. It is incredibly difficult," she said. "Less than 5% of our young people are educated in Latin at any level. Even fewer would recognise these terms when checking the back of a packet to see if they can use certain toiletries or ointments – that then becomes a big problem." Gittins said her allergy meant she lived with "a base level of anxiety". She added: "Do I live a very restricted life, or do I go out and do the things that are more risky? "That is what we need to minimise - we need to make sure we have a much more allergy-friendly world so we can mitigate that risk." Amy Loring, a makeup artist from Cardiff who uses her Instagram page to provide skincare and cosmetics advice to thousands, said the labelling system needed to be "very clear". "I have hypersensitive skin and it's very uncomfortable when you're breaking out and have eczema over your face. There are some days I can't put anything on my skin because it is reacting so bad," said the 31-year-old. "It is frustrating as a consumer when you get reactions like rosacea, redness, breakouts, and that's just mild allergies - it can be quite severe and life-threatening." Almond (bitter): Prunus amygdalus amar Avocado: Persea gratissima Apricot: Prunus armeniaca Banana: Musa sapientum Brazil nut: Bertholletia excelsa Cashew: Anacardium occidentale Chestnut: Castanea sativa/sylva or castanea crenata Coconut: Cocus nucifera Egg: Ovum Fish liver oil: Piscum iecur Hazelnut: Corylus rostrata, corylus americana, corylus avellana Kiwi fruit: Actinidia chinensis or actinidia deliciosa Oat: Avena sativa or Avena strigosa Peach: Prunus persica Peanut oil: Arachis Hypogaea Sesame: Sesamum indicum Sweet almond oil: Prunus amygdalus dulcis Walnut: Juglans regia or juglans nigra Wheat germ extract: Triticum vulgare Regulations state that cosmetic ingredients must be listed clearly. If there is no outer packaging, the labelling will be on the container. If the product is very small, the ingredients may be listed on a leaflet. While the INCI system ensures consistency across the globe, critics say it leaves many consumers in the dark. Rachel Williams' son, Jacob, is allergic to peanuts, hazelnuts and almonds. "It is difficult enough to navigate life with allergies without adding the learning of Latin on top of everything else," said Rachel, from Swansea. "I can't always remember the name of certain nuts in Latin, or I doubt myself when I'm checking products. This means I have to search online every time I use a product. I would have a lot more confidence in the products if they stated all of the top 14 allergens in English." The CTPA has defended the use of INCI ingredient names. Caroline Rainsford, the director of science at the CTPA, said the system provided a universal language across the globe. "For botanical or natural extracts, we refer to the Linnaean system, which is the international system for scientifically naming plants and animals, and lots of those names will be Latin-based," she said. "The reason we refer to that system is to have global harmonisation. "I can see that perhaps people would think it may be easier to have the English name but if you are on holiday and you are looking at the ingredients list, you would need to know the name of the plant in whichever country you're in. "Whereas if we use the INCI system, you then just need to remember that one INCI name. "The more consistency and harmonisation we have with the ingredient list is not only great for us when we're buying a product, it also makes life easier for companies." The industry has developed tools to help consumers navigate the terminology. One such tool is the COSMILE app, which allows users to search ingredient names by scanning the label. The app aims to offer reliable and scientifically supported information on thousands of ingredients used in cosmetic products. A UK government spokesperson said: "Our regulations require all cosmetics to include a full list of ingredients that is clearly marked on the product label or packaging using generally accepted names." Girl with severe allergies has to try new food outside A&E TikTok Shop food listings 'putting people at risk' Parents warned over child use of skincare products


BBC News
4 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Latin makeup labels put allergy sufferers at risk, say campaigners
Makeup and skincare ingredients should be listed in English and not Latin to protect people with allergies, campaigners companies display ingredients in Latin, or using scientific names. But MP Becky Gittins, who has a severe nut allergy, said this was a problem as "less than 5% of our young people are educated in Latin".One mum, whose daughter had an allergic reaction to body wash, said cosmetics should be labelled in the same way as influencer Amy Loring said the labelling system was "frustrating" but for some could be "life threatening".The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) said Latin-based names provided a universal language across the globe. Cosmetic companies list ingredients according to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), a system which includes thousands of different Latin-based names. For example, sweet almond oil is Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis, peanut oil is Arachis Hypogaea, and wheat germ extract is Triticum Vulgare. Some cosmetic brands also list their ingredients in English, but this is not a requirement. Eve Huang's daughter Elysia, 9, is allergic to cow's milk, coconut, eggs, asparagus, mustard and tree allergies are triggered not just by food but by airborne particles and skin contact."The Latin puts allergy sufferers at risk and it is so frustrating," said Ms Huang, from Hornchurch in Essex."Why are allergens not listed in bold? Why are there no warning signs?"Ms Huang said she recently bought Elysia a new skin-sensitive body wash. Within seconds of getting into the bath, Elysia became red and developed a hives rash all over her body. At first, they did not realise the cause was the body wash. Elysia did not develop anaphylaxis - a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction - but she did need to be treated. 'Google the Latin names' "A child should not have to take medicine simply for having a bath. A process of getting oneself clean should not make them seriously ill," said Ms said birthday parties could also be "a nightmare"."At one party, Elysia was gifted a facial mask in the party bag and I've had to explain she can't use it until I've 'Googled' the Latin names and checked whether it's safe."She added: "Some brands now include English translations, which is useful. But I would like to see similar, if not the same standards, as food packaging." Gittins, the Labour MP for Clwyd East who is behind the campaign for change, has a severe nut allergy. If she were to use products containing nuts it could trigger said at a recent trip to a spa, she had to frantically "Google" Latin terms to check for allergens. "Even on a day that's supposed to be relaxing, I was still mitigating risk. It is incredibly difficult," she said."Less than 5% of our young people are educated in Latin at any level. Even fewer would recognise these terms when checking the back of a packet to see if they can use certain toiletries or ointments – that then becomes a big problem."Gittins said her allergy meant she lived with "a base level of anxiety".She added: "Do I live a very restricted life, or do I go out and do the things that are more risky?"That is what we need to minimise - we need to make sure we have a much more allergy-friendly world so we can mitigate that risk." Amy Loring, a makeup artist from Cardiff who uses her Instagram page to provide skincare and cosmetics advice to thousands, said the labelling system needed to be "very clear"."I have hypersensitive skin and it's very uncomfortable when you're breaking out and have eczema over your face. There are some days I can't put anything on my skin because it is reacting so bad," said the 31-year-old."It is frustrating as a consumer when you get reactions like rosacea, redness, breakouts, and that's just mild allergies - it can be quite severe and life-threatening." The Latin names of cosmetic ingredients Almond (bitter): Prunus amygdalus amarAvocado: Persea gratissimaApricot: Prunus armeniacaBanana: Musa sapientumBrazil nut: Bertholletia excelsaCashew: Anacardium occidentaleChestnut: Castanea sativa/sylva or castanea crenataCoconut: Cocus nuciferaEgg: OvumFish liver oil: Piscum iecurHazelnut: Corylus rostrata, corylus americana, corylus avellanaKiwi fruit: Actinidia chinensis or actinidia deliciosaOat: Avena sativa or Avena strigosaPeach: Prunus persicaPeanut oil: Arachis HypogaeaSesame: Sesamum indicumSweet almond oil: Prunus amygdalus dulcisWalnut: Juglans regia or juglans nigraWheat germ extract: Triticum vulgare Regulations state that cosmetic ingredients must be listed clearly. If there is no outer packaging, the labelling will be on the container. If the product is very small, the ingredients may be listed on a the INCI system ensures consistency across the globe, critics say it leaves many consumers in the dark. Rachel Williams' son, Jacob, is allergic to peanuts, hazelnuts and almonds."It is difficult enough to navigate life with allergies without adding the learning of Latin on top of everything else," said Rachel, from Swansea."I can't always remember the name of certain nuts in Latin, or I doubt myself when I'm checking products. This means I have to search online every time I use a product. I would have a lot more confidence in the products if they stated all of the top 14 allergens in English."The CTPA has defended the use of INCI ingredient Rainsford, the director of science at the CTPA, said the system provided a universal language across the globe."For botanical or natural extracts, we refer to the Linnaean system, which is the international system for scientifically naming plants and animals, and lots of those names will be Latin-based," she said. "The reason we refer to that system is to have global harmonisation."I can see that perhaps people would think it may be easier to have the English name but if you are on holiday and you are looking at the ingredients list, you would need to know the name of the plant in whichever country you're in. "Whereas if we use the INCI system, you then just need to remember that one INCI name."The more consistency and harmonisation we have with the ingredient list is not only great for us when we're buying a product, it also makes life easier for companies."The industry has developed tools to help consumers navigate the such tool is the COSMILE app, which allows users to search ingredient names by scanning the label. The app aims to offer reliable and scientifically supported information on thousands of ingredients used in cosmetic products.A UK government spokesperson said: "Our regulations require all cosmetics to include a full list of ingredients that is clearly marked on the product label or packaging using generally accepted names."


Time of India
10-06-2025
- Time of India
Chardham Yatra – A spiritual journey turning into an environmental crisis
Dr Rakesh Kapoor, a former special secretary to the government of Himachal Pradesh, is a geologist and an expert in integrated waste management The Chardham Yatra, one of India's most sacred pilgrimages encompassing Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in Uttarakhand, has long been a spiritual magnet attracting millions of devotees yearly. However, what once was a solemn religious journey is now increasingly viewed as an environmental and tourism management crisis. While the pilgrimage plays a significant role in the region's economy, its unchecked expansion is beginning to 'kill' real tourism and pose serious threats to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Environmental Degradation The registration (both offline and online) reveals the number of pilgrims: 3 lakhs in 2020, 5 lakhs in 2021, 45 lakhs (205 days) in 2023, and 48 lakhs (153 days) in 2024. According to the same sources, the number of vehicles, which was 3.27 lakhs in 2022, almost doubled to 5.20 lakhs in 2024. This is not the only means of transport — there are 4,300 registered operators, more than 8,000 mules, and around 2,400 Dandi and Kandi carriers en route. All these are adversely affecting road infrastructure and aggravating waste disposal, which is already in disarray. The massive influx of pilgrims, especially during the peak months of May to July, leads to overcrowding, deforestation, and waste mismanagement. Lack of proper toilets and open defecation along riverbanks, nullahs, and forest areas is polluting tributaries of the sacred Ganga, causing health and environmental issues. Narrow mountain roads are widened to accommodate vehicles, often by blasting hillsides and cutting the toe of slopes, making the terrain more vulnerable to landslides and soil erosion. According to environmental experts, the Chardham highway project has led to the felling of thousands of trees and disturbed natural water channels, accelerating glacier melt. All major glaciers — Gangotri, Gaumukh, Satopanth, Alkapuri, Khatsalgang, Dunagiri, and Bandarpoonch — are receding at a faster-than-expected rate, bearing the brunt of lopsided development and destabilising the region's geography. A study by ICMOD and WIHG has confirmed this. Moreover, the smaller towns en route to the Chardham Yatra — including Barkot, Hanuman Chatti, Janki Chatti, Peepalkoti, Joshimath, Devprayag, Karnprayag, and Rishikesh — all have civic amenities barely enough for the local population, if not inadequate, and certainly unable to meet the demands of lakhs of pilgrims thronging every summer. The hotels, dharamshalas, and eateries often lack proper waste disposal systems, circumventing the CTPA rules and regulations, building bylaws, and urban planning norms. The result is evident: piles of plastic, human waste, and non-biodegradable trash lining riverbanks and trekking routes. This pollution seeps into the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, threatening biodiversity and the water security of millions downstream. Impact on real tourism While pilgrimage tourism grows exponentially, it overshadows the region's potential for sustainable and experiential tourism. Uttarakhand is home to pristine valleys, rich biodiversity, cultural villages, and adventure trails. These attractions — which promote slower, environmentally responsible tourism — are often ignored or even degraded due to the focus on catering to the mass pilgrimage market. Real tourism, which values nature, local culture, and sustainability, is losing ground to overcrowded, chaotic yatra rushes. Tourists seeking peace, adventure, or cultural immersion are increasingly deterred by the over-commercialisation, traffic congestion, and environmental deterioration of these once-pristine areas. Infrastructure vs Ecology The Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojna (Char Dham Road Project), aimed at improving connectivity to the pilgrimage sites, has been under scrutiny for bypassing environmental safeguards. Experts argue that the ecological cost of such development far outweighs the benefits, especially when alternative eco-sensitive approaches could have been employed. Additionally, the growing number of helicopter services to Kedarnath — once a challenging trek — has drastically altered the pilgrimage experience and added noise and air pollution to an already stressed environment, biodiversity, fragile geo-demographic profile, and geographic setting, caused by vibrations resulting in slippages and tremor-related structural failures, as evident by large-scale landslides. If we just go by government-provided numbers from nine sites, 250 daily sorties of helicopters take 1,500 pilgrims to these shrines. A call for balance The challenge is not to end the Chardham Yatra, but to rethink it. The pilgrimage should be aligned with principles of environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism. Controlled visitor numbers, better waste management, eco-friendly infrastructure, and promotion of offbeat, responsible tourism can help restore balance. Similar sentiments were recently expressed in an online discussion, held under the aegis of Doon-based SDC Foundation, involving priests and other stakeholders of Chardham Yatra, which concluded that the yatra, if left unchecked, risks turning the spiritual Himalayas into a zone of irreversible ecological damage and shallow mass tourism. Protecting the environment must become a spiritual responsibility, not a bureaucratic afterthought. Only then can real tourism — one that celebrates nature, culture, and sustainability — thrive. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.

Associated Press
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
GAMMA Sports & CTPA Announce 9th Annual GAMMA Classic
GAMMA Sports, in partnership with the Cranberry Township Pickleball Association, announce the 9th Annual GAMMA Classic will take place September 18-21, 2025. PITTSBURGH, PA, UNITED STATES, May 19, 2025 / / -- GAMMA Sports, in partnership with the Cranberry Township Pickleball Association (CTPA) announced the 9th Annual GAMMA Classic is set to take place September 18-21, 2025, at the Graham Park Pickleball Complex in Cranberry Township, PA. The highly anticipated four-day event will bring together pickleball payers of all ages and skill levels for an exciting competition in a premier facility that features 30 courts – 19 dedicated pickleball courts and 11 temporary courts equipped with cable portable nets. With 13 lighted courts, players and spectators can expect a full day of action and extended evening play. The centralized layout and ample free parking make this a standout venue for both players and fans. On-site food trucks will be available throughout the tournament to provide refreshments and local flavor. Tournament Format: This year's GAMMA Classic will follow a round-robin format, with the top four teams in each bracket advancing to a single-elimination playoff. This structure is designed to maximize play opportunities and offer a fast-paced, rewarding tournament experience. Event Schedule: • Thursday, Sept. 18: Senior Men's & Women's Doubles (Ages 50+) • Friday, Sept. 19: Women's Doubles (Under 50) & All Men's Singles • Saturday, Sept. 20: Mixed Doubles (All Ages) • Sunday, Sept. 21: Men's Doubles (Under 50) & All Women's Singles Participants may register for one event per day, with a maximum of four events total. 'We're especially excited about this year's event,' said Amie Stanton, VP of Marketing at GAMMA. 'As a proud Pittsburgh-based company, hosting the GAMMA Classic locally reinforces our commitment to being a leader in pickleball – not just nationally, but right here in our own community. Partnering with the CTPA at their top-tier facility amplifies the player experience and highlights the strength of the region's pickleball scene.' Registration & Fees: • Early Bird (May 18 – June 9): $65 • Regular (June 10 – August 22): $75 • Late (August 23 – August 28): $80 • Registration Closes: August 28 This is a DUPR-rated tournament, and all matches will be reported. Players without an existing DUPR rating will receive one following the event. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each bracket. In cases where brackets are combined, only one set of medals will be awarded for the combined group. Don't miss your chance to be part of one of the region's top pickleball events. Register now and secure your spot at the 9th Annual GAMMA Classic! For more information and to register, visit: About GAMMA Sports GAMMA Sports is a Pittsburgh-based, family-owned manufacturer with a 50-year legacy of innovating in racquet sport equipment, including tennis and pickleball. Best known for its patented breakthrough string technologies, GAMMA has leveraged its racquet sports expertise to develop high-quality paddles, balls, grips, and accessories that empower people who love to play at all levels. Providing equipment and education to help improve your game, the brand has become a trusted name among coaches, trainers, and racquet sport enthusiasts around the world. About the CTPA Cranberry Township is one of the fastest growing communities in Western PA. A progressive and well managed community that puts value into quality of life with its three large parks and municipal golf course. Altogether, Cranberry has over 700 acres in their park system. Cranberry Township Pickleball Association (CTPA) is run by volunteers in partnership with the Cranberry Township Parks & Rec department. Now in its 7th year of operation, CTPA has 1900 members. CTPA is responsible for the maintenance and expansion of the pickleball complex and will have 30 courts. All net proceeds from the tournament go back to CTPA's expansion efforts and to promote pickleball and expand our tournament capabilities. Amie Stanton GAMMA Sports [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.