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

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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh

    Anima Baroi, Farah Noshin Chowdhury & Md. Mostafizur Rahman

  2. Institute of National Analytical Research and Service (INARS), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh

    Md. Abu Bakar Siddique & Md. Ahedul Akbor

  3. Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh

    Farah Noshin Chowdhury, Md. Khabir Uddin & Md. Mostafizur Rahman

  4. Department of Natural Science (Chemistry), American International University-Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh

    Md. A. R. Jamil

Authors
  1. Anima Baroi
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  2. Md. Abu Bakar Siddique
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  3. Md. Ahedul Akbor
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  4. Farah Noshin Chowdhury
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  5. Md. A. R. Jamil
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  6. Md. Khabir Uddin
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  7. Md. Mostafizur Rahman
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Contributions

AB: conceptualize and carry out the work, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. MABS: sample preparation, metal analysis, data analysis, manuscript preparation, manuscript review, and editing. MAA: metal analysis, data analysis, and manuscript review. FNC: data analysis and manuscript editing. MARJ: data analysis and manuscript editing. MKU: data analysis and manuscript editing. MMR: conceptualize and carry out the work, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and overall supervision of the study. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Md. Mostafizur Rahman.

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Baroi, A., Siddique, M.A.B., Akbor, M.A. et al. Exposure and health risks of metals in imported and local brands’ lipsticks and eye pencils from Bangladesh. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 46222–46233 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-25416-8

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