Humans are Canaries in the Coal Mine for Industry A Wake-Up Call for Beauty

Years ago coal miners carried canaries into dark, dangerous shafts. These delicate birds served as an early warning system, their sensitivity to toxic gases potentially saving lives.They would drop the cages down into the shaft and when the bird stopped singing - they knew they could not go down that far. 

But what happens when the canaries fall silent and the warnings go unheeded? Coal miners would die... 

but today and it appears for decades   humans are the canaries for many industries —and the beauty industry is one of the  major mines.

The Hidden Dangers of Modern Beauty Products
From the phthalates in perfumes to PFAS in waterproof mascaras, harmful chemicals are all too common in beauty products.

Dubbed "forever chemicals," PFAS are particularly concerning, as they persist in our bodies and the environment, linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and immune system harm. Yet, these substances are often hidden, their dangers obscured by marketing claims. 

A System That Treats Humans as Test Subjects

For decades, regulatory gaps and profit-driven practices have allowed industries to prioritize convenience and aesthetics over safety. They set up Associations and they all help each other to do the minimum and pat each other on the back on how well regulated the business is - 

The result? Consumers unwittingly expose themselves to ingredients with potentially devastating long-term effects. It's a cycle that mirrors the miners ignoring their fallen canaries, continuing deeper into the danger zone.

Choosing a New Path
The question is no longer whether we have a problem but what we’re going to do about it. At SAPPHO, we’ve made a choice: transparency, rigorous testing as we can afford , and a commitment to creating clean, PFAS-free, and eco-conscious products.

Our mission isn’t just about beauty; it’s about empowering people to demand better from every industry.  It's about changing a paradigm 

The canaries in the coal mine taught us an important lesson: listen to the warnings before it’s too late. In beauty and beyond, it’s time to act.

By choosing safe, tested products and supporting brands that value human health and the planet, we can transform the industry and ensure that no one has to be the canary ever again.