Evaluation of metals and organic contents in locally available eye shadow products in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the concentration of some heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium and zinc) and synthetic organic contents in non branded eye shadows locally available in Lahore, Pakistan. Twenty five samples of five eye shadow colours (red, golden, orange, white and pink) were purchased from local market in Lahore. Samples were pre-treated and atomic absorption spectro- meter was used to determine the concentration of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn). Total organic content in these samples was determined by wet oxidation technique. Maximum concentration of Pb in eye shadow samples was detected to be 15.33 mg/g. Concentration of Pb in 80% of samples was found to be higher as compared to the permissible limit (10 ug/g) of Pb in cosmetics provided by Health Canada. 26% samples showed Cd concentration higher than permissible limit (3 ug/g). Although there are no available internationally acceptable maximum limits for Cr and Zn, but these metals were found to be present in detectable limits ranging from 5.5-8.23 ug/g and 7.9-11.84 ug/g, respectively. Total organic content (TOC) in the samples was found to be ranging from 2.15-2.92 mg/g.