To the Pumpkin King: I've heard Halloween face paint can be unsafe if it contains lead and other ingredients. Do you know anything about this? -- J.W.

Of all the odd environmental health concerns that a person wonders about every day, this strikes me as a reasonable one. Doesn't it seem likely that cheap face paint manufactured in a country far away, maybe with less exacting health standards, would contain some material that would at least cause some skin irritation?

Cosmetics generally aren't subject to testing and approval before they go to market. The Food and Drug Administration ordered a recall earlier this year of some face paint made in China when some kids developed rashes. The FDA found microbial contamination.

A national group, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, has put out a report that contends face paint often contains lead and heavy metals linked to skin allergies. Some doctors express concerns; others say a few hours of trick-or-treating while wearing face paint is not going to make a big difference.

For parents who are spooked by such things: How closely do you look at the labels on products, and how hard do you push for more testing and regulation to keep products safe?

The Answer Man is the mayor of Brainsville, Minn. Send questions to P.O. Box 6118, Rochester, MN 55903 or answerman@postbulletin.com.

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