DETERMINATION OF HEAVY METALS IN EYE SHADOW COSMTIC SOLD IN SAMARU MARKET IN ZARIA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

 

The word “cosmetic” is derived from the Greek word “kosmetikos” which means skilled in decoration”. Since the dawn of civilization, cosmetics have been utilized by people irrespective of their race, gender or age to beautify, modify or alter ones’ physical appearances. Cosmetics or makeup are substances or preparations used to enhance the beauty of the human body (Faruruwa and Bartholomew, 2014) the general acceptance of cosmetics worldwide can be seen in the estimated sales by cosmetic industries in over 230 billion U.S dollars in total worth of sales in America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa (Romano ski, 2014). Most commonly used Cosmetics in various parts of the world include facial makeup such as - lipsticks, lip glosses, foundations, concealers, powders, rouges,   mascaras, eyeliners, eye shadows. Others include skin care creams, shampoos, hair dyes, deodorant and perfumes, nail polishes and mouth washes which find different application on different body part several researches have shown the presence of heavy metals in wide range of cosmetic products. Faruruwa and Bartholomew (2014) assessed heavy metals concentrations in facial cosmetic samples and reported varying abnormal concentrations of the metals; chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe). They established that the facial cosmetics analyzed contained toxic metals and over exposure could lead to an increase in metal levels in the body beyond permissible limit. Furthermore, a study revealed mercury (Hg) in alarming levels ranging from 878 to 36,000ppm as recorded in six (6) out of sixteen (16) samples when Mexican skin lightening creams where analyzed (Peregrinate al., 2011) .Another study which specifically assessed heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Cu, Co, Cr, Mn, Zn, Cd) in some eye shadows imported from China into Nigeria reported the presence of these metals in varying concentrations (Omolaoye al., 2010).They reported that the obvious presence of these metals from the study indicated that    these metals in facial cosmetics expose users to low levels of heavy metals. The study also showed that all the metals assessed except Chromium (Cr) where beyond permissible limits.

Heavy metals are often accumulated in the body in the human tissue when they not metabolize by the body for absorption and utilization (Health Concerns.,). Analysis shows that small amount of these heavy metals are common in our environment and diet and some are necessary for good health in lesser quantities, but large amount of any of them may cause acute or chronic toxicity. Once liberated into the environment, man- made chemicals and produce of heavy metals are take up into the body via inhalation ingestion and skin absorption.

Heavy metals on exposure may not necessarily produce a state of toxicity in the body as they accumulate in the tissue over time until they reach toxic concentration (Documentation 2, 2002).  Eye shadow are typical examples of pigmented make-up products (E.L. Sainio, 2000). They are available as pressed powders, anhydrous creams, emulsions, sticks and pencils. Pressed powder is the most used type of eye shadow and usually applied to the eyelid by lightly stroking a soft sponge tipped applicator across the skin. Its main ingredients are talc with pigments and zinc or magnesium stearate used as a binder (Z.D. Draelos, 2001,,AL-Saleh, 2009,). Eye shadows are available in extensive color variety and variation surface characteristics. A dull surface texture is obtained through the inclusion of titanium dioxide, and a pearled shine is created through the addition of bismuth oxychloride, mica, or fishscale essence. A metallic brilliant finish is created by copper, aluminum, brass, gold, or silver powders. Heavy metals such as Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb are retained as impurities in the pigments of eye shadows, or they are released by the metallic devices used during the manufacturing of articles [Z.D. Draelos, 2001]. Toxic elements and their compounds are water-soluble and sweat can promote the percutaneous absorption of elements (E.L. Sainio, 2000 .G. Lilley, 1988). The excipients used also affect the absorption through the skin [D.A. Basketter, 1993 J.P. Thyssen, 2010]. The stratum corneum of the eyelid is thin, and metal diffusion from eye cosmetics is therefore assumed to be relatively rapid. On the other hand powdered eye shadows are applied dry to the skin, therefore percutaneous absorption of metals is slower than that of fat-soluble substances [Z. Ya-Xian, 1999]. The skin of the eyelid is the most susceptible to eczemas, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis [A.A. Fisher, 1984, R. Valsecchi, 1992]. The metals involved in allergic dermatitis are, in order of incidence, Ni, Co, and Cr, either taken alone or in their association [L. Kanerva, 2000]. Ni causes this pathology with a prevalence of 20% in females and 1% in males [A. Josefson,1994 ]. This is mainly due to the free Ni ions released from objects containing Ni, and which daily came in contact with the skin (i.e., piercing, jewels, buttons, clasps, coins, etc.) and corroded by the sweat. The European Council [J. Eur. Commun. 1994] disciplined the metal release quantity in the products which are designed to enter in direct and long contact with skin, in order to reduce the contact dermatitis nickel caused incidence. Also, the permeation of nickel ions may be associated with the oxidizing capacity of sweat upon exercise or elevated body temperatures. This may tend to increase nickel skin absorption from make-up products [G. Maina, 2007]. Differently from nickel, allergic dermatitis contact by cobalt and chromium is mainly caused by occupational exposures [M. Hindsén 2005, M. Barré Hansen, 2006].

The study of heavy metals in eye shadow pallet is under taken for a variety of reasons. The most influential factor is to educate the public on the concentration of heavy metals in the various colors of eye shadow pallet applied to the eye lid and side effect of these heavy metals on the body. These knowledge would enable them to know the specific color to apply on the eye lid, considering the concentration of heavy metals in various colors, and there will apply the colors with less concentration of heavy metals.

The use of cosmetic product have become so rapid in our modern world and this products contains heavy metals as impurities which are toxic to human health, the main purpose of the work is to determine the levels of heavy metals in eye shadow pallet.

The aim of this study is to determine the concentration of Cd Pb Zn Ni in eye shadow palette.

The aim can be achieved through the following objectives.