Non-cancer, cancer, and dermal sensitization risk assessment of heavy metals in cosmetics

Abstract

The heavy metal content of cosmetics may be a cause for concern in that exposure to these metals is associated with adverse consequences. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess consequences attributed to exposure to heavy metals in cosmetics as determined by non-cancer, cancer, and sensitization risks methodologies. The quantification and exposure assessments of aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), antimony (Sb), and titanium (Ti) were performed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The non-cancer risk assessment of Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sb, and Ti in cosmetic samples resulted in a margin of safety (MOS) greater than 100 or a hazard index (HI) of less than 1. However, the probability of lifetime cancer risk (LCR) resulting from dermal exposure to heavy metals from cosmetics exceeded the acceptable risk levels (LCR > 10). An exposure-based sensitization quantitative risk assessment determined that the ratios of acceptable exposure level to consumers for Ni, Co, Cu, or Hg were above 1, suggesting an absence of skin-sensitizing potential. For an average daily user of lip cosmetics, the estimated intakes of heavy metals were within the acceptable daily intake (ADI). The percentage of heavy users for which metal intakes exceeded ADIs were 20.37% for Pb, 9.26% for Mn, 1.85% for Cr, and 1.85% for Cr, respectively. Data suggested that the heavy metals present in cosmetics do not appear to pose a serious risk to health. However, for heavy users of lip cosmetics, contamination with some heavy metals, such as Pb, Mn, and Cr needs to be minimized.

Spatial and Temporal Variation of Dissolved Heavy Metals in the Mun River, Northeast Thailand

“…HI is the sum of the HQs from both the applicable pathways, which is aimed to identify the potential non-carcinogenic risk. Non-carcinogenic risk or adverse effects on human health exist when HQ or HI is ≥1, and no deleterious effects exist when HQ or HI is <1 [32]. The values of HQ and HI are calculated by equations as follows: where the ADD ingestion and ADD dermal represents the average daily dose from ingestion and dermal absorption, respectively (µg/kg/day); C w represents the average concentration of each element in water (µg/L); BW is the average body weight (70 kg for adults and 15 kg for children); IR is the ingestion rate (2 L/day for adults and 0.64 L/day for children); EF is the exposure frequency (350 days/year); ED is the exposure duration (30 years for adults and 6 years for children); AT is the average time (=ED × 365 days/year); SA represents the exposed skin area (18,000 cm 2 for adults and 6600 cm 2 for children); ET is the exposure time (0.58 h/day for adults and 1 h/day for children); K p represents the dermal permeability coefficient in water (cm/h); RfD is the reference dose (µg/kg/day); ABS GI is the gastrointestinal absorption factor.…”

Micro-Determination and Assessment of Selected Heavy Metal Ions in Foundation Creams Commonly Used in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using ICP-OES

“…Further, Pb, Cd and As can easily cross the skin barrier and may become systemically available with concomitant use of heavy-metal-containing cosmetics [15,16]. The range of concentrations of Pb, Cd, As and Hg detected here is less than in most of the previous studies [9,13,15,17]. The concentrations of heavy metals in the cosmetic brands, classified on the basis of country of origin are shown in Fig.…”

“…Among the different heavy metals analyzed, the concentration of lead (132 ppm) exceeded the maximum permissible limit (10 ppm) in some cosmetic brands [10,12]. The adverse health effects of lead are well-established [9,13]. Lead can easily cross the placenta and damage the fetal brain; moreover, it can cause temporary to permanent damage of the nervous system, kidney, and liver [14].The concentration of other heavy metals like Cd, As and Hg were estimated to be within the permissible limit (< 3 ppm) [12].…”

Trace Element Bioaccumulation in Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus, Linnaeus, 1758): A Case Study from Sicily (Italy)

“…Metals can be adsorbed by the organisms through various exposure routes, among which food exposure is usually the most important, followed by dermal exposure and inhalation [14][15][16]. Some organisms are able to bioaccumulate an amount of metals in their tissues or organs without observing any adverse effects; however, once the internal metal concentration reaches a toxic threshold, adverse effects may occur [4,17].…”