Evaluation of Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb levels in commonly used cosmetics and some adverse reactions in Ibadan Metropolis, South-West Nigeria

O.J Ojezele,A.A Onyeaghala,M.O Ojezele

doi:10.4314/jasem.v22i10.26

Abstract

Skin absorption remains a major source of heavy metal toxicity in humans. This study determine the heavy metals content of selected cosmetics frequently used in Ibadan South-west Nigeria using AAS model ICE 3000 and some adverse reactions. Questionnaires administered to people of different age groups and classes in the society informed the choice of representative cosmetics for heavy metals analysis. The questionnaire revealed gender distribution usage of 84.7% and 15.3%; for female and male respectively. Cosmetics use was observed to be highest among the age bracket 21-25years (30.7%). Unmarried (single) females (58.9%) used cosmetics more than the married (40.6%). While 5.9% used it for bleaching, 21.3% had various adverse effects arising from cosmetics usage. All the various cosmetics brands contained Cr, Ni and Cd. Cr levels in eyeliner (12.7ppm) and face-powder (2.5ppm) were higher than EPA limit (1ppm). Pb levels in eyeliner (87.8ppm) and hair-dye (21.6ppm) were higher than WHO limits (10ppm). Cd levels in eyeliner (0.8ppm), lip-gloss (0.5ppm) and face-powder (1.8ppm) were higher than WHO limits (0.3ppm). The cumulative exposure to heavy metals in cosmetics products as a result of prolonged use could be a possible source of heavy metals toxicity.Keywords: Heavy Metals, Cosmetics, Toxicity, Exposure

Highlights

Unmarried females (58.9%) used cosmetics more than the married (40.6%). While this agrees with the findings of Ramshida and Manikandan (2014), it showed that the unmarried female like cosmetics to a greater extent than the married
The results presented in figure 4 showed that both male and female (83.7%) prefer to use cosmetics primarily for beautification or to improve their appearance which helps to increase social approval as well
This study revealed that cosmetics products are a possible source of heavy metals exposure to a human being and continuous use of these cosmetics could result in an increase in the metal levels in the human body above the acceptable limit

Summary

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the heavy metal content in commonly used cosmetics in Ibadan (South-west, Nigeria) metropolis: probable source of human exposure and toxicity

Methods

Results

Conclusion