Potentially Toxic Elements in Costume Cosmetics Used by Children and Adults Are Associated with Cancer Risk

Fernanda Junqueira Salles, Fernanda Pollo Paniz, Bruno Lemos Batista, Adelaide Cassia Nardocci and Kelly Polido Kaneshiro Olympio ()
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Fernanda Junqueira Salles: Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira Cesar, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
Fernanda Pollo Paniz: Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Avenida dos Estados, 5001, Bairro Santa Terezinha, Santo André 9210-580, Brazil
Bruno Lemos Batista: Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Avenida dos Estados, 5001, Bairro Santa Terezinha, Santo André 9210-580, Brazil
Adelaide Cassia Nardocci: Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira Cesar, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
Kelly Polido Kaneshiro Olympio: Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira Cesar, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 20, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: (1) Background: Costume cosmetics, such as face paints and pancakes, are used by adults and children during Halloween, Carnival, or children’s parties. However, the metallic-based pigments used as dyes in these products may contain toxic elements associated with different levels of exposure. Objectives: (a) to determine the Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, and Sr concentrations in face paints and pancakes; and (b) to estimate cancer and non-cancer risks posed by the concentrations of each element in these products for dermal and ingestion exposure scenarios during children and adult use. (2) Methods: A total of 95 samples of face paints and pancakes (four brands in different textures and colors) were purchased at the largest high-street commercial center in São Paulo city, Brazil. An extraction procedure with nitric acid was carried out using a graphite-covered digester block. Toxic element determinations were performed using an ICP-MS. (3) Results: The non-cancer risks estimated were lower than 1, except for dermal exposure in adults for some target systems. High cancer risk values raise concerns in both groups. The risk for children ranged from 10 −8 to 10 −5 and proved higher in cases of accidental exposure by ingestion. For occupational exposure in adults, cancer risks were even higher, ranging from 10 −3 to 10 −5 , with the highest values associated with dermal exposure. (4) Conclusions: The study results suggest the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in cosmetics should be regulated/monitored to protect human health, especially for occupational exposure and use by children.

Keywords: cosmetics; toxic elements; children exposure; occupational exposure; risk assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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