ABSTRACT
The study quantitatively estimated heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Co
and Fe) using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) in 6 popular locally
used facial cosmetic products sold in Nigerian market. The results indicate
that the toxic heavy metals in all the samples were below the WHO permissible
limits for cosmetic products. Fe, though non toxic, was found in levels much
higher than the permissible limit. Continuous use and possible unintended
ingestion of these toxic heavy metals, though in low levels in the cosmetics,
may pose potential health risk due to their bio- accumulation in body organs.
Ensuring strict adherence to regulatory guidelines is recommended for facial
cosmetic products accompanied by routine analytical checks.
CHAPTER
ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background
The
adverse effects of heavy metals such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium
(Cr), lead (Pd), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) are
documented (Duruibe et al., 2007; Banfalvi, 2011). Heavy metals toxicity can
result to damaged or reduced mental and central nervous function, lower energy
concentration and damage to blood composition, lungs, liver, kidneys and other
vital organs (Linnila, 2000). Repeated long term contact with some of these
heavy metals or their compounds may cause cancer, contact dermatitis and skin
irritation which are caused by Cr, Ni and Co (Linnila, 2000; Omolaoye et al.,
2010).Their exposure however, continues and is even increasing particularly in
less developed countries (Jarup, 2003).
Cosmetics
are substances that are rubbed, poured, sprinkled or introduced into the human
body for purposes of cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or
altering appearance (Kasture et al., 2008). The use of cosmetics is widely
spread for routine body care including the care of skin, hair, nails and teeth
(Chauhan et al., 2010). A wide range of cosmetic products exist including
creams, emulsions, lotions, gels, oils, face masks, tinted bases, make up
powders, toilet soaps, perfumes, shower and bath preparations, deodorants and
antiperspirants, depilatories, hair care products and shaving products (Anton,
2005). Depending on the ingredients with which they are made from, cosmetics
can either be herbal (those of natural origin and are made of ingredients that
are gentler and less likely to be harmful) or synthetic (those which are
conventional and made of ingredients likely to be harmful) (Conors and Altshuler,
2009). Among the most commonly used skin cosmetics are those made of
ingredients such as formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasing ingredients,
hydroquinone, parabens and phthalates which could be harmful to human body
(Baumann, 2009).
There are a number of herbal cosmetics in use with the most
preferred ones being Aloe vera, neem and olive oil. These are more preferred
because they are mild, biodegradable and have low toxicity profile (Chanchal et
al., 2008). Neem is the most useful traditional medicinal plant (Imam et al.,
2012). It contains active compounds
among them alkaloids, lavonoids, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds,carotenoids,
steroids and ketones (Imam et al., 2012). It has been found to be useful in
personal care products such as skin care, nail care and hair care among others
(Imam et al., 2012). Other uses of neem are therapeutic and medicinal.
Therapeutic uses include treating scalp conditions such as dandruff, acne, nail
fungus and restoring brittle nails and also fungal infections such as
ringworms, infected sores and burns. Neem also provides relieve for skin
disorders such as eczema and psoriasis as well as healing of wounds, (Debjit et
al., 2010). Among the medicinal uses are anti-inflammatory, antifungal,
antibacterial, antimalarial,
antiarthritic,spermicidal,
immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective and antioxidant which are brought about by
compounds that have a biological activity. The compounds include salannin,
volatile oils, meliantriol, nimbin,nimbinin,nimbidol and tannin (Debjit et al.,
2010; Imam et al., 2012). Olive oil is another herb used in pharmacy, as
antiinfammatory as well as antioxidants due to the presence of phenolic
compounds, triterpenes and mannitol among others. (Pérez et al., 2005)
1.2 Problem statement
and justification
The
fears of dangers of heavy metals especially if concentration are above the
maximum permissible WHO limits in any product continue to rise. While there are
a number of sources, research points out to one possible avenue being the use
of cosmetics. In China for example, cosmetics were recalled for having
concentration of heavy metals being higher than the permissible concentration.
The issue of heavy metals as deliberate facial cosmetics ingredients may have
been given attention but these could still be found as impurities and hence
cause threats as some toxic elements and/or their compounds are water-soluble
and can be absorbed on moist skin. On the other hand, it is worthy to note that
both herbal and synthetic skin cosmetics (lotions, creams and soaps) have
gained increased use worldwide. Continuous use and as well a combination of
cosmetics therefore may result into the numerous dangers of heavy metals.
Currently, there is no documentation on the concentration of heavy metals in
facial cosmetic cosmetics found in the Nigerian market and therefore it is
important that this is re-ascertained in the products.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The main objective of this study is to ascertain the
concentration of heavy metals Presents
in facial cosmetics; but for the successful completion of the study the
researcher intend to achieve the following objectives;
i)
To ascertain the concentration of heavy
metals presents in facial cosmetics
ii)
To investigate the health impact of
heavy metals presents on facial cosmetics.
iii)
To proffer solution to the identified
problems
1.4 RESEARCH
HYPOTHESES
For the successful completion of study the following research
hypotheses are formulated by the researcher;
H0:heavy metal present in facial cosmetics does not have any
impact on the health of Lagosian
H2:heavy metal presents in facial cosmetics does have a
significant impact on the health of Lagosian.
1.5
SIGNIFICANT OF THE STUDY
It is believed that at the completion of this study, the
findings will be of great importance to the pharmaceutical industry as the
study will seek to enumerate the impact of heavy metal present in facial
cosmetics on individuals. The study will also be of great importance to the
inhabitant of Lagos metropolis as the study seeks to enumerate the patronization
of facial cosmetics with heavy metals presents. The study will also be useful
to researchers who intend to embark on research in similar topic;finally the
findings of this study will also be immense benefit to government, academia,
scholars, researchers and the general public.
1.6
SCOPE
AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The scope of the study covers the concentration of heavy
metals presents in facial cosmetics in Lagos state, Nigeria. But in the course
of the study there are some constrain which limited the scope of the study;
a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material
available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study.
b) TIME:
The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to
combine other academic activities
and examinations with the study.
c) FINANCE:
The finance available for the research work does not allow for wider coverage as resources are
very limited as the researcher has
other academic bills to cover
1.7
ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
This research
work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows. Chapter
one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (background of the
study), statement of the problem, objectives of the study, research questions,
research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope of the study etc. Chapter
two being the review of the related literature presents the theoretical
framework, conceptual framework and other areas concerning the subject
matter. Chapter three is a research
methodology covers deals on the research design and methods adopted in the
study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation
of finding. Chapter five gives summary,
conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.
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