Comparative analysis of mercury content in human hair and cosmetic products used in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Total mercury (T-Hg) concentrations were analysed in human hairs and cosmetic products sold in Dar es Salaam Tanzania. The average total mercury (T-Hg) concentrations in the scalp hair of females using mercury based cosmetic creams and soaps ranged from 7.0 ± 0.4 to 880 ± 12 ppm.Highest T-Hg concentrations were found in females who work in beauty hair salons and the lowest concentrations were found among students. The average values in non-cosmetic users were found to be lower, with mercury ranging from 0.57 ± 0.07 to 8.29 ± 1.22 ppm. Analysis of cosmetic products indicated high values, ranging from 0.11 ± 0.03 to 8665 ± 15 ppm in soaps and 0.16 ± 0.02 to 25.30 ± 4.2 ppm in cosmetic creams. Mercury being a cumulative toxin, the findings suggests that women who use mercurial crèmes and soaps are likely to be poisoned as the compounds can enter the body through various pathways, including inhalation of vapor, ingestion, and skin contact.

Mercury and hydroquinone content of skin toning creams and cosmetic soaps, and the potential risks to the health of Ghanaian women

“…However, previous studies conducted by Al-Saleh and Al-Doush ( 1997 ) on mercury concentration in creams obtained from the Saudi Arabians market which originated from Asia and Middle East contained T-mercury concentration above the US FDA limit. Results of T-mercury determined in cosmetic products obtained on Dares Salaam market in Tanzania also showed very high concentration of mercury in some creams and soaps above the US FDA limit with T-mercury ranged from 0.11 to 8665 μg/g in cosmetic soaps and 0.16–25.30 μg/g in cosmetic creams (Kinabo 2003 ).…”

Levels of Toxic Metals in Skin Lightening Agents Marketed in Nigeria

“…Nephro-toxic effects have been attributed to application of inorganic mercury salts. Exposure of mercury to placental cells causes damage to the developing foetus [25,27]. In other studies [28,29], observed that complications of mercurial toxicity include exogenous ochronosis, dermatitis, facial acnes, facial hypertricosis, hyper and hypo-pigmentation, reduction in the skin resistance to bacterial and fungal infections, anxiety, depression, psychosis, impaired wound healing, the fish odour syndrome, nephropaty, steroid addition syndrome and predisposition to infections.…”

“…A high concentration of mercury in pregnant women is known to considerably increase the risk of permanent brain damage and may lead to acrodymia (pink baby syndrome). Exposure of mercury to placental cells causes damage to the developing fetus [25,27]. Chronic exposure to either inorganic or organic mercury may damage brain, kidneys, nervous system and developing foetus [26].…”

Monitoring of Environmental Mercury Exposure Using Hair as Bioindicator and the Study of Potential Factors Affecting on It in Karachi

“…UN reported that blood mercury level is 400 times greater in mercurial cosmetic users than nonusers [32]. According to WHO, mercury is a common ingredient found in skin lightening soaps and creams.…”

“…Reference [32] compared total mercury in hairs of students with women associated with different occupations …”