What's in your perfume?

A group of activists gathered on Wednesday outside the Nickelodeon to educate the public about toxic chemicals in cosmetics and fragrances, and to promote the Safe Chemicals Act, which calls for more rigorous EPA testing of consumer products.

Chemicals linked to cancer, allergic and immune-system reactions, and reproductive disorders show up in everything from nail polish to lotion to hairspray, they said.

In a press release, Anne Sheldon, a community organizer for the Maine Women's Policy Center, referenced the "Not So Sexy report," issued last month by the California-based Campaign for Safe Chemicals: "What's revealed in this report is nothing short of appalling," Sheldon said. "Of the 17 fragrances tested, each one contained an average of 14 secret chemicals, 10 chemicals associated with allergies, four hormone-disrupting chemicals, and 12 chemicals that haven't been assessed for safety.  It's time for the chemical industry and fragrance manufacturers to be held accountable for the safety of their products."