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.