Number of the Day: 5

5 -- the number of pounds of cosmetics (well, 4 pounds 6 ounces) women who use make-up every day can absorb through their skin, over the period of one year, according to Richard Bence, a British biochemist, as reported in the Telegraph newspaper.

"We really need to start questioning the products we are putting on our skin and not just assume that the chemicals in them are safe. We have no idea what these chemicals do when they are mixed together, the effect could be much greater than the sum of the individual parts," according to Bence. "If lipstick gets into your mouth it is broken down by the enzymes in saliva and in the stomach. But chemicals get straight into your bloodstream, there is no protection."

20 -- the number of different cosmetics some women use every day. Are you going to take the chance that some of those contain lead? Learn more about avoiding toxics in our guide to How to Green Your Women's Personal Care.

Tags: Cosmetics | Green Stats

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