Toxic cancer-causing chemicals have been detected in more than half of commonly used cosmetics sold in the United States and Canada, a study has found. New research from the University of Notre Dame shows that many of the cosmetics contain high levels of chemicals which are resistant to breaking down in the environment—known as perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Some have been linked to cancers, liver damage, low birth weight and an array of other health problems. More than 230 commonly used cosmetics were analyzed in the study, published Tuesday in the journal of Environmental Science and Technology Letters. Researchers found that high levels of fluorine were detected in 56 percent of foundations and eye products, 48 percent of lip products and 47 percent of mascaras. Fluorine is an indicator of PFAS, used in a wide range of products including stain- and water-resistant fabrics and carpets, as well as cleaning products, …