Chemical Analysis Of Lead In Eye Cosmetics And In Scalp Hair Samples
Abstract
The use of lead sulphide as a traditional
eye medicine and/or cosmetic is widespread in some areas
of Kenya. Quantitative analyses using flame atomic
•
absorption spectroscopy showed high lead concentrations
in most eyel_iners (mean, 51.50 ± sd 29.51, range 1.13
to 84.98%). A similar method was used to determine the lead
content of scalp hair from 16 users and 47 controls
(non-users) of these preparations. The mean for users was
48.50 + Sd 38.50 (range 6.36 to 140.02) ppm~ compared to
16.81 + sd. 11.24 (range <0.6 to 51.58) ppm for the
controls (non-users).
The lead content of the scalp hair from users was
significantly different from that of the controls (non-users).
This means that this lead-b~sed eye cosmetic/medicine
contributes to the lead body burden of the user.
Publisher
Department of Chemistry