Determination of lead concentration in solid and liquid lipsticks available in Iran-Kerman

Introduction: Human exposure with Lead can cause health problems. Use of cosmetics, especially lipsticks contaminated by this heavy metal is counted one of the entrance ways of lead into body. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the amount of lead in lipstick in cosmetics shops of Kerman, Iran. Methods: This descriptive study was performed during Jan to Feb - 2010. All cosmetics shops of the city were selected for determination of lead level in lipsticks. A total of 108 samples were prepared from 27 solid brands and 9 liquid brands of lipsticks exist in 10 cosmetics sale center of Kerman city. After preparation of sample by acid nitric method, the lead content of samples was measured by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. All results are expressed in μg/g. Results: Mean concentration of lead in 27 measured solid types was 523.34 μg/g and in 9 liquid base types was 3.33 μg/g. Minimum and maximum concentrations of lead were 0.81μg/g and 10749/81μg/g, respectively. Average lead concentrations of liquid base samples and also lipsticks with light color were lower than that of dark color solid base lipsticks. Conclusion: In attention to potentially effects of heavy metals on body function and also exist of high level lead in this cosmetics, it is essential to control sale of these products and prepare national standards for cosmetics in the country.