Determination of Total and Bioaccessible Elements in Temporary Adhesive Tattoos Used by Children and Adults

Abstract

The presence of bioaccessible potentially-toxic elements in five different brands of temporary tattoos (packaged with bubble gums) aimed at children and three product brands used by young and adult audiences were analyzed in accordance with the Brazilian Organization of Technical Standards (ABNT) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for toy’s safety standards. Bioaccessible barium, copper and strontium were found in the concentration range between 1.78–11.1 μg g–1, 0.0364–0.875 μg g–1, 0.155–9.9 μg g–1, respectively. Bioaccessible lead (2.6 ± 0.1 μg g–1 – 4.36 ± 0.06 μg g–1) and boron (2.14 ± 0.07 – 3.54 ± 0.07 μg g–1) were found in two samples whereas chromium (0.403 ± 0.004 μg g–1) in one sample aimed at children. Bioaccessible aluminum was found in six samples, mostly at products used by children. Other elements whose bioaccessibility was evaluated were Mo (< LOD), Cd (< LOD), V (0.148 ± 0.003 μg g–1) and Co (0.003 – 1.756 μg g–1). All samples met the upper limits permitted by the national toy safety standard, however, chromium, lead, cobalt and barium presented higher bioaccessibility levels than the allowed values by cosmetic regulation that controls products applied directly to the skin.