Harmful effects of heavy metals in cosmetics

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the harmful effects of heavy metals in cosmetics. To achieve this objective the researcher used test and observation. From the study, the levels of heavy metals in mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel in some branded skin-whitening lotions, lip-sticks, anti aging cream and lip-balm were determined using CV-AAS for mercury and AAS for lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel. The mean levels (ppm) of heavy metals were found to fall in the following ranges: In lip-sticks, chromium 1.14, 1.09, 1.34, Nickel 2.19, 2.14, 2.36. In fairness cream, mercury 1.79, 1.52, 0.10. Lip-balm and anti-aging cream no trace of heavy metal found. In today’s world the use of cosmetics on daily basis has become very common. Consumers can limit their exposure by avoiding products that contain harmful chemicals. Especially with regard to possible long term effects as the products may be used extensively over a long period of time may contain ingredients whose safety is not certain or which are known to cause health risks. Alternatively one can buy a product which contains chemicals in certain quantity which will not cause the adverse effect. In Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which is the agency responsible for the control of the safety of cosmetics products, is working hard to ensure safety of the consumers of these products, whereas the manufactures of these products on their part have the responsibility to ensure the clinical safety of their products. It is recommended that the use of heavy chemicals contained in cosmetics should be avoided. Consumers can limit their exposure by avoiding products that contain harmful chemicals. Alternatively one can buy a product which contains the chemicals in small quantity which will not cause the adverse reactions. Organic based cosmetics should be used since it is produced from natural sources.