The Bioscientist (Sep 2021)
TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF FACIAL COSMETICS PRODUCTS USED BY STUDENTS OF TWO TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA
Abstract
An evaluation of toxicity concentrations of cosmetic products utilized by students of two tertiary institutions [Abia State University (ABSU) and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU)] in Abia State, Nigeria was carried out in this study. Ten (10) heavy metal comprising Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd) and Nickel (Ni) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Margin of Safety, Hazardous Index, Cancer Risk and Potency Factor were calculated following recommended standard. The concentrations from both Universities forNi, Fe, Cr, Pb and Cdwere above the suggested safe limit for Personal Care Products (PCPs).The margin of safety (MOS) values obtained in both Universities were greater than 100, indicating that the concentrations of metals investigated in these cosmetics exert higher risk, ABSU (205,016.06 µgg-1) and MOUAU (191,5708.81 µg g-1). From ABSU, the maximum value of oral cancer risk was detected in Lip liner product at0.645408, while the maximum value of cancer risk index was observed in Lip liner product at 99.225. Whereas, for cosmetics products collected from MOUAU, the maximum value of oral cancer risk was observed in face powder (Base jelly) and the maximum value of cancer risk index was observed in Lip liner products. In ABSU the maximum value of potency factor risk (CSF) was detected in eye pencil while in MOUAU, the maximum value of potency factor risk was detected in face powder (Base jelly). In conclusion, the study suggests that the continuous use of these cosmetic products can lead to the absorption of metals which will eventually lead to chronic health effects.
