Mass Spectrometric Quantification and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Lipstick and Eye Shadow Products in Mombasa County, Kenya

Abstract

Heavy metal presence in lipsticks and eye shadows is of public health concern since the contamination poses potential health risks and environmental pollution. Some of the deleterious effects of these metals include damage to the brain, kidneys and bone marrow. This study sought to determine metal content and their associated risk in commonly used lipstick and eye shadow products in Mombasa County. Seventy-nine (79) samples of lipsticks and eye-shadows were purchased from different cosmetic shops and open markets in the four sub-counties of Mombasa County. Determination of metal content was done with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer. Risk assessment was evaluated using margin of safety, hazard quotient, hazard index, and carcinogenic risk approach for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. Six metals, namely arsenic, chromium, lead, cadmium, mercury and cobalt were determined in samples comprising 58 lipsticks and 21 eye shadows using ICP-MS. The concentration of some of the metals was much higher in the samples than the recommended maximum acceptable limit. The mean of As, Cr, Pb, Cd, Hg, and Co in lipsticks was 1.24±0.83, 6.69±23.99, 4.43±5.15, 0.05±0.19, 0.47±0.43, and 0.82±0.87 ppm, respectively, and in eye shadows 1.27±0.64, 17.28±35.06, 8.10±10.56, 0.08±0.38, 0.34±0.41, and 0.85±0.95 ppm, respectively. The order of mean concentrations was Cr > Pb > As > Co > Hg > Cd. Heavy metals concentration in some samples was above the World Health Organization (WHO) suggested safe limits. Based on the results, these products are contaminated with one or more metals with hazard quotient and hazard index being less than unity. Hence these cosmetics are generally safe to use. However, continuous use can increase the absorption into the human body which is harmful to health. The presence of metals such as mercury and lead in the sampled cosmetics necessitates strict regulatory monitoring to protect consumers. Continuous postmarketing surveillance on cosmetics is also recommended.