An environment group has asked the federal government to explain why certain chemicals that it says are dangerous are allowed in personal-care products like shampoo, lotion, deodorant and makeup.

The David Suzuki Foundation said there is evidence that products that contain chemicals such as parabens, siloxanes, phthalates and BHA, which mimic estrogens, have adverse effects on wildlife and human health.

Estrogens are the primary female sex hormones. The chemicals used in personal care products interfere with the endocrine system, and have been linked to declining sperm counts and increased incidences of male genital malformations and certain types of cancer, the group said.

Lisa Gue, a researcher with the David Suzuki Foundation, says the government needs a comprehensive strategy to deal with chemicals in personal-care products. (CBC)

But small amounts of these products are considered safe or cause no harm at the level they're used, Health Canada said.

The department also said it has strict rules covering personal-care products and they are labelled, so consumers can avoid cosmetics with ingredients that concern them.

The foundation, however, said the government rules mean the products should not be sold.

"Clearly we need a more comprehensive strategy to really tackle this problem," Suzuki researcher Lisa Gue said.

The foundation has filed a petition that asks questions about Canada's regulation of the products containing the chemicals, including what Health Canada is doing to control the use of the chemicals.

The government has 120 days to respond.

Gue welcomed the government's recent decision to ban six chemicals in children's toys and some child-care products that may have similar properties to the chemicals used in personal-care products.