Assessing the Hidden Public Health Risks of Heavy Metal Exposure through Facial Cosmetics (Foundation and Face Powder) in Calabar, Nigeria.pdf

The study examined the heavy metal concentrations in facial cosmetics (Foundation and Face Powder) sold in four major markets in Calabar, Nigeria and the potential health risk for users. A total of 288 samples of four commonly used brand of foundation and face powder were purchased and analyzed over a period of six month, using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) after wet digestion. The contents of foundation and powder were of the ranges: 0.105-0.433mg/kg and 0.067-0.430mg/kg, 0.103-0.288mg/kg and 0.183-0.339mg/kg, 0.165 0.371mg/kg and 0.077-0.332mg/kg, 0.276-0.904mg/kg and 0.341-0.843mg/kg, 0.034-0.357mg/kg and 0.254-0.702mg/kg, 0.034-0.357mg/kg and 0.254-0.702mg/kg and 0.043-0.109mg/kg and 0.065-0.113mg/kg for lead, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, nickel and iron respectively. The concentrations of metals under study all within the statutory standards given by WHO. The margin of safety (MoS), hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values for all the heavy metals were within the acceptable limits. Lifetime cancer risk (LCR) value was higher than the permissible limit (10-4) in all the facial cosmetic products. The study concluded that, the use of these facial cosmetic products exposes users to carcinogenic risk. Public health enlightenment is strongly recommended.