Exposure and health risks of metals in imported and local brands' lipsticks and eye pencils from Bangladesh

Anima Baroi; Md Abu Bakar Siddique; Md Ahedul Akbor; Farah Noshin Chowdhury; Md A R Jamil; Md Khabir Uddin; Md Mostafizur Rahman

doi:10.1007/s11356-023-25416-8

Exposure and health risks of metals in imported and local brands' lipsticks and eye pencils from Bangladesh

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 Apr;30(16):46222-46233. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-25416-8. Epub 2023 Jan 30.

Authors

Anima Baroi¹, Md Abu Bakar Siddique², Md Ahedul Akbor², Farah Noshin Chowdhury^{1

3}, Md A R Jamil⁴, Md Khabir Uddin³, Md Mostafizur Rahman^{5

6}

Affiliations

¹ Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh.
² Institute of National Analytical Research and Service (INARS), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh.
³ Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh.
⁴ Department of Natural Science (Chemistry), American International University-Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh.
⁵ Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh. rahmanmm@juniv.edu.
⁶ Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh. rahmanmm@juniv.edu.

PMID: 36715797
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25416-8

Abstract

Elemental contamination in cosmetics is a serious health concern as it can pose a cumulative effect on the user's body over a long period. The prime motive of the study was to assess the concentration of 10 concerning chemical elements (Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) in imported and local lipsticks and eye pencil samples collected from retail outlets in central Bangladesh (Dhaka city) and to assess their dynamic health risks for users. A total of 18 lipsticks and 24 eye pencils were studied and concentrations of chemical elements were examined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The health risk assessment was performed for dermal and ingestion routes of the contaminants. The results reveal that the concentrations of the examined elements vary with colors, brands, and origins. Pb and As concentrations were found below the permissible limit but Cr concentration in some samples exceeded the allowable limit in cosmetics. Cd was not detected in any samples; however, other examined elements such as Co, Ni, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe were detected in considerable concentrations. Elements like Mn, Zn, and Fe were found at high levels. In the case of lipstick samples, elemental concentrations followed the order of Fe > Zn > Mn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Pb > Co > As, while the order was Fe > Cu > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > Co > Pb > As for eye pencil samples. Results of the hazards quotient (HQ) indicate that there were no non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic risks of elements in samples for dermal exposure. But the cancer risk values of Cr (HQ > 1 for ingestion) in brown color lipsticks and Ni indicate that lipsticks have some carcinogenic effects if they enter the user's body. Dermal cancer risk for eye pencils has also been calculated and for Pb, Cr, Ni, and As; the values were found within the acceptable ranges of 10^-6-10^-4. It is suggested that the allowable limit of all toxic elements in cosmetics must be established. Furthermore, continuous monitoring is urgently needed for personal care products like lipsticks and eye pencils commonly available in the local markets in the country like Bangladesh.

Keywords: Cosmetics; Exposure and health risks; Eye pencils; Heavy metal(loid)s; Lipsticks; Local markets.

MeSH terms

Bangladesh
Carcinogenesis
Cosmetics* / analysis
Environmental Monitoring / methods
Humans
Lead
Metals, Heavy* / analysis
Risk Assessment / methods

Substances

Lead
Cosmetics
Metals, Heavy