Cosmetics, preparations repeatedly applied directly
to the human skin, mucous membranes, hair and nails, should be safe for health,
however, recently there has been increasing concern about their safety.
Unfortunately, using these products in some cases
is related to the occurrence of unfavourable effects resulting from intentional
or the accidental presence of chemical substances, including toxic metals.
Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium,
arsenic and nickel, as well as aluminium, classified as a light metal, are
detected in various types of cosmetics (colour cosmetics, face and body care
products, hair cosmetics, herbal cosmetics, etc.).
Metals occurring in cosmetics may undergo retention
and act directly in the skin or be absorbed through the skin into the blood,
accumulate in the body and exert toxic effects in various organs.
Some of the specific effects of these metals on
human systems are discussed below:
Lead: Lead is a potential impurity in many colour cosmetics, including
lipstick. Lead is a well-known and proven neurotoxin that has been linked to
learning, language and behavioural problems. Because of this, lead has been
eliminated from petrol and paint, which has resulted in considerably reduced
exposures in the past several decades.
Lead has been linked to reduced fertility in men and women, hormonal
changes and menstrual irregularities. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable
because lead crosses the placenta and may enter the foetal brain, and has also
been linked to miscarriage.
Pre-adolescents are also at risk as lead has been linked to a delay in
the onset of puberty in girls, and the development of testes in boys.
Mercury: Mercury is linked to nervous system poison, as well as reproductive,
immune and respiratory harm, and is a recognized environmental health concern. Mercury
may also disrupt thyroid hormones. Mercury is particularly hazardous during
foetal growth and is readily absorbed by the skin.
Other metals: Aluminium based compounds vary in their
harmfulness, but some are linked to neurotoxicity, growing and reproductive
poison, and cancer.
Chromium is strongly linked to immune and respiratory toxicity, as well
as systemic toxicity. Animal studies show tumour formation at low doses.
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