In an episode of “The Pitt,” a hospital drama on HBO Max, a young TikTok beauty influencer named Nandi is found roaming the streets of New York, walking dangerously into traffic while screaming at cars and people.
(HBO Max is owned by CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.)
Nandi is experiencing severe insomnia, tremors and psychosis, and her quickly deteriorating condition bewilders the emergency room staff. Finally, an enterprising resident finds she has mercury poisoning from an unusual source — an imported facial moisturizer she promotes in her videos.
In the spirit of art imitating life, the episode calls attention to the proliferation of potentially toxic chemicals in the products many of us slather daily on our face, body and hair.
According to a 2021 analysis of 231 cosmetics purchased in the United States and Canada, 52% contain chemicals called PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds — known hormone disruptors that have been linked to numerous health concerns.
Some of the highest levels were found in foundations (63%), waterproof mascara (82%) and long-lasting lipstick (62%).
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