compared to the lead-based eye make-up commonly available in
Nigeria, but the continuous use of these cosmetics could result in an
increase in the lead levels in the ocular system and the human body
beyond acceptable limits [30].
Powdered eye shadows are the most used eye cosmetics. They
are externally applied and precedent studies showed that the lead
absorption through skin results negligible [31]. Moreover, the
absorbed lead can be eliminated through perspiration and organic
fluids, so it doesn't represent a health hazard as ingestion pathway
[8]. Further report [32] showed that there is no evidence of intoxication
risks when unguents containing lead in the concentration of 0.4%
are applied on the human skin; therefore, relevant toxic effects at
the systemic level are not expected. The importance of lowering
the blood lead limit to 2 μg dL−1 affirmed that there are sufficient scientific
proofs to consider that an 10 μg dL−1 lead level could compromise
the neuro-behavior development in kids [33,34], and sterility
and spontaneous abort are also caused by the prolonged exposition
to lead [35]. After a prolonged exposition, lead can accumulate in
the body in an asymptomatic manner, leading to different health
effects which manifest only after a medium-long time period through
high blood pressure, renal damages, anemia, lead of fertility, and
learning difficulties.
In Table 2 are listed the isotopes selected for the quantification
by ICP, and the resolution used to separate the analytes from interferences.
Cadmium was determined by a m/z ratio of 111 because it
overlaps with the 114Sn which shows a m/z ratio of 114. Chromium,
nickel and cobalt were quantified through medium resolution (MR)
to avoid interference. In fact, except for the interference caused by
plasma, the addition of HNO3 and HF for the matrix digestion and
the high metal content in itself create not negligible interferences.
The concentrations of cadmium, cobalt, chromium and nickel are
presented in Table 3. Cadmium level ranged from 0.60 ng g−1 (no.
18) to 33.04 ng g−1 (no. 10). 17 out of 20 of the colors had cadmium
level below 10 ng g−1. In most cases, cobalt content varied between