"Under a new global treaty that limits the use of mercury, some light bulbs will be banned. Some batteries, thermometers and medical devices will be banned too. But mascara is exempt."

"Last week, about 140 countries signed the United Nations’ Minamata Convention, which includes a ban on mercury in cosmetics and soaps. But mascara and other eye makeup is exempt because “no effective safe substitute alternatives are available' and 'the intention is not to cover cosmetics, soaps or creams with trace contaminants,” the treaty says."

Brian Bienkowski reports for Environmental Health News October 18, 2013. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"New App Lets You Quickly Scan Cosmetics To See If They’re Potentially Toxic" (Grist) [3]