Dangers of Early 20th Century Cosmetics

Sep 17, 2024

Notes on The American Chamber of Horrors Episode

Introduction

  • Focus on the dangers of early 20th-century cosmetics.
  • Highlight: Lash Lure, a dye that caused severe eye damage.

Lash Lure Details

  • Promoted to help women "radiate personality."
  • Ingredients: Contained poison leading to:
    • Ulceration of corneas
    • Degeneration of eyeballs
    • Potentially caused blindness and death.
  • Lack of safety testing and ingredient disclosure.

Regulatory Background

  • Pure Food and Drugs Act (1906): Did not cover cosmetics.
  • FDA's limitations: Unable to remove unsafe products like Lash Lure.

Public Health Challenges in the 1930s

  • Numerous harmful products in circulation.
  • Great Depression: Economic hardship led to reliance on unsafe medicines.
  • Food industry issues:
    • Deceptive packaging
    • Ingredient substitutions (e.g., peanut butter and jelly).
  • Public perception: Consumers viewed as guinea pigs.

FDA's Response

  • Focus on education and awareness despite limitations.
  • Key figures:
    • Ruth Lamb - Chief Education Officer, former advertising executive.
    • George Larrick - Chief Inspector.
  • Organized a traveling exhibit called American Chamber of Horrors:
    • Featured over 100 products: medical, food, cosmetics.
    • Displayed at events like the 1933 World's Fair and state fairs.
    • Coined name "American Chamber of Horrors" by a reporter.

Legislative Impact

  • Support from figures like Rex Tugwell and women's organizations.
  • Personal testimony from victims like Mrs. J.W. Musser, who was blinded by Lash Lure.
  • Ruth Lamb published the book American Chamber of Horrors in 1936:
    • Indictment of existing conditions.
    • Advocated for immediate legislative action.
  • Key takeaway: Tragedies were due to lack of government power, not incompetence.

Outcome and Legacy

  • Exhibit raised public awareness of FDA's role in consumer protection.
  • Contributed to the enactment of the 1938 Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
  • This law remains relevant today, with ongoing amendments.
  • Products from the Chamber of Horrors exhibit are preserved in the FDA's history vault.

Conclusion

  • This episode highlights the FDA's evolving role in protecting American health and promoting consumer safety.