Abstract
Forty two different cosmetic samples consisting of 16 facial cosmetics, 6 soaps, 1 shower gel, 12 emulsions, 2 underarm cosmetics, 3 nail cosmetics and 2 perfumes were purchased from department stores and cosmetic shops within Onitsha Main Market and Eke-Awka in Anambra, Nigeria. Seven of these cosmetic (16.67%) were locally manufactured in Nigeria while thirty five (83.33%) were imported into Nigeria. The cosmetics were ashed before digestion and filtration. The filtrates were assayed for mercury and arsenic with AAS SearchTech AA320N. Hydroquinone presence was identified by chromatographic test while steroids, nitrite and N-nitrosamines were identified by colour test and together were assayed by UV-spectrophotometer (Spectrulab 21). The health risk assessment methods developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) were employed to explore the potential human health risk of Mercury and Arsenic in cosmeticsamples. Results showed that two (2) of the cosmetic samples contained mercury ( 0.003 + 0.000mg/kg and 0.07 + 0.00mg/kg) while three cosmetic samples contained arsenic (0.002 + 0.000, 0.002+0.000 and 0.005 +0.000 mg/kg). Hydroquinone concentration ranged from 1.14 + 0.00 – 1.83 + 0.03 mg/kg (1.14E-02 – 1.83E-02 %).Steroid was found in only two samples with concentration of 16.70 + 0.74 mg/kg and 17.63 + 0.74 while N-nitrosamines and nitrite occurred in nine and eleven samples in the range of 4.66 + 0.09 – 43.52 + 0.47 and 0.87 + 0.02 – 13.42 + 2.90 respectively. The total cancer and non-cancer risk results indicated that although the chances of cancer risk and non-cancer risk resulting from the use of these cosmetic products were unlikely, build up of these heavy metals overtime on continuous usage could be detrimental.
Highlights
Cosmetic products are articles or preparations designed to be used on various parts of the human body for the purpose of cleaning, perfuming, protecting, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering appearance without changing the body’s structure and operation (Adepoju-Bello et al, 2012; Oyedeji et al, 2011)
Forty two different cosmetic samples consisting of 16 facial cosmetics, 6 soaps, 1 shower gel, 12 emulsions, 2 underarm cosmetics, 3 nail cosmetics and 2 perfumes were purchased from department stores and cosmetic shops within Onitsha Main Market and Eke-Awka in Anambra, Nigeria
This study aims to evaluate some harmful organic and inorganic constituents and human health risk assessment of mercury and arsenic in cosmetic brands in Nigeria
Summary
Cosmetic products are articles or preparations designed to be used on various parts of the human body for the purpose of cleaning, perfuming, protecting, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering appearance without changing the body’s structure and operation (Adepoju-Bello et al, 2012; Oyedeji et al, 2011). Certain chemicals that are a part of cosmetic formulations have been found to be harmful and use of cosmetic products containing such chemicals portends danger for human health Notable examples of such chemicals, though not exhaustive, include heavy metals, hydroquinone, steroids and nitrosamines (Adepoju-Bello et al, 2012; SCCS,2012; WHO,2011; Oyedeji et al, 2011; Nnoruka and Okoye, 2006; Nnorom et al, 2005; Adebajo, 2002 ). Some of the reasons advanced for their presence in cosmetic products include their existence as components of the major raw material used in cosmetic product manufacture (Adepoju-Bello et al, 2012) and their deliberate inclusion in cosmetic products (WHO, 2011) Cosmetic products and their ingredients are not subjected to clinical trials/laboratory testing(s) by regulatory bodies in Nigeria before pre-market approval. This is evident from Section C (2) of National Agency for Food and Drug www.ccsenet.org/ijc
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