• Detection of Mercury Levels in Some Cosmetic Products Marketed In Khartoum, Sudan

    Khadiga Eltegani1, Dhia Eldin Elhag2

    1. Graduated from faculty of pharmacy, University of Medical Science and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan.
    2. Associate Professor in Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan.

    Abstract:

    Background: Because of the widespread use of cosmetic products, many studies were reported for the determination of mercury (Hg) metal in these products using different methods and instruments.  Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the presence of Hg in a number of the most widely used cosmetic products marketed in Khartoum, Sudan. Additionally, the study also aims at comparing the Hg level detected in some selected samples with the standard limit value set by The United States Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).

    Study design: Samples of the most common and popular brands of cosmetic products (n=46) were collected from different markets in Khartoum, Sudan. Samples were categorized under eight main groups, viz: facial powder, mascara, eyeliner, eye shadows, lipsticks, eyebrows powders, foundations, and facial soaps.

    Method: A weight of 100 mg was weighed from the collected samples and was tested using a Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA) device, using the integrated sequence of thermal decomposition, catalyst conversion, amalgamation.

    Results: Hg concentrations in the measured 60% of the studied samples were found to have Hg level below the limit stated by The United States Food and Drugs Administration (US FDA), which is less than 1 ppm. Where 40% of the samples were having Hg level above 1 ppm. The most significant trend was for (Yoko) soap which has Hg concentration of 10.56 ppm. The  (Anastasia) eyebrows powder Hg concentration was detected to be  (0.07 ppm).

    Conclusion: The results showed that the analyzed cosmetic products had Hg at a detectable level, and some samples showed levels above the allowed limit (1ppm). Such high levels can cause different types of health problems.

    Keywords: Cosmetic products, mercury levels, heavy metals, Sudan.

    Pages: 171 – 175 | Full PDF Paper