Health risk associated with metals and metalloids in frequently used oil perfumes sold at Karu market, FCT, Nigeria

Oil-based perfumes, prized for their affordability, portability, and long-lasting fragrance, have become everyday essentials in Nigeria, particularly in markets such as Karu, FCT, Nigeria. Despite their widespread use, critical public health concerns persist due to the potential contamination with toxic metals arising from inadequate regulatory oversight, leaving their safety largely unverified. This study investigated the presence of toxic heavy metals—lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As)—in 10 high-demand oil perfumes using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Despite the prohibition of Pb, Cr, Cd, and As as intentional ingredients under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC No 1223/2009), all the investigated metals were detected at quantifiable levels in the oil-based perfumes. Dermal exposure assessments revealed mean hazard quotient (HQ) values ranging from 5.5 × 10⁻³ – 9.5 × 10⁻³ (Pb), 3.4 × 10⁻⁷ – 2.7 × 10⁻⁶ (Cr), 4.7 × 10⁻⁵ – 9.4 × 10⁻⁵ (Cd), and 5.9 × 10⁻³ – 1.1 × 10⁻² (As), with a hazard index (HI) between 0.01 and 0.02. The carcinogenic risk assessment revealed that exposure to these perfumes falls within the critical range of 1 × 10⁻⁶ – 1 × 10⁻⁴, except for Royal KK and Zim-Zim brands posing a significant cancer risk due to Cr levels. Furthermore, prolonged bioaccumulation of these toxicants could lead to severe dermatological and systemic health complications. These findings underscore an urgent need for stricter regulatory oversight and consumer awareness to mitigate potential public health risks associated with prolonged dermal exposure to heavy metals in the oil perfumes.