Levels of Lead and Chromium Ions in Different Brands of Lipstick Sold at Local Markets in Iraq

Abstract

Lead and Chromium ion samples of five commercial samplesof each of twenty brands of lipstick sold at locally markets in Iraq weredetermined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Samples ofdigested Lipstick were used, acid digestion method using acids HCl:HNO3 in ratio 1:3 were used before analysis. Average for analyzedsamples were Pb, 0.10-4.85 ppm; Cr, 0.18-5.2 ppm. Samples No.9 andNo.4 showed the least concentrations of Pb and Cr respectively. Thesevalues are not expected to be toxic to humans. However, exposure overlong periods might cause accumulation of the elements in the body andeven at low concentration; some metals could initiate allergic reactions.