Health Implications of Heavy Metal Contamination in Commercially Available Deodorant and Antiperspirant Products Sold in Benghazi, Libya

The extensive usage of deodorants and antiperspirants raises concerns about the potential health risks posed by heavy metal content. This study quantified the levels of five heavy metals: Aluminum, Zirconium, Lead, Cadmium, and Chromium in 22 commercial products widely used in Benghazi, Libya, and assessed the associated health risks. Samples, categorized into gel, stick, and roll-on formulations, were analyzed using iCAP TQ ICP-MS. Al and Zr showed the widest concentration ranges, reflecting their intentional use as active ingredients. Al levels ranged from trace amounts (0.032 mg/kg) up to a maximum of 99.10 mg/kg, while Zr was found exclusively in gel and stick formulations, reaching 36.81 mg/kg. In contrast, the trace metal contaminants (Pb, Cd, and Cr) were consistently found at extremely low levels, ranging from non-detectable up to a maximum of only 0.013 mg/kg (Cd). Health risks were estimated for males and females at 50% and 100% bioaccessibility using the systemic exposure dose (SED), Margin of Safety (MoS), Hazard Index (HI), and Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR). The LCR values remained overwhelmingly within the acceptable range, indicating low carcinogenic concern. However, non-carcinogenic risk was suggested in a small subset of samples where the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and HI exceeded the threshold of 1. These results indicate that while the majority of products pose little overall health danger, continuous monitoring of specific high-Al and Zr formulations is essential to guarantee long-term consumer safety.