Assessment of Lead and Cadmium in Lipstick from Local Markets in Khartoum State

Abstract

Evidence of the use of cosmetics, including lipsticks has been found in civilizations as early as ancient Mesopotamia. Many of the cosmetics used throughout history have contained potentially toxic elements and other contaminants. Ancient Egyptians used cosmetics containing large amounts of lead and cadmium. Modern cosmetic is perceived to be free of dangerous toxins due to the widespread regulations of many consumer products. Heavy metals toxicity to the humans and animals is the result of long term, low or high level exposure to pollutants common in our environment including air we breathe, water, food etc. A part from these, numerous consumer products like cosmetics and toiletries have been reported as source of heavy metal exposure to human beings. Heavy metals like lead and cadmium may result in poisoning and skin problems. This study concerns about determination of two toxic metals lead and cadmium, and the main purpose is to examine the potential for lead and cadmium contamination in lipsticks. l6 lipsticks from different brand and countries and different colors were tested for the presence and amount of lead and cadmium by ICP.OES and F—AAS Standard addition technique and used for comparison of contents of lead and cadmium concentration. All samples of lipstick were higher than US-FDA Standard (0.lppm) for lead and cadmium and the average of the lead contents in colors were 5.385ppm for blood red color, 4.485ppm for pink color and 3.602ppm for strawberry color. While the average of the cadmium contents in colors were 2.872ppm for blood red color, l.8l7ppm for pink color, l.772ppm for strawberry color and l.649ppm for brown color.