Health Risk Assessment of Heavy and Trace Metals in Personal Care Products in Nigeria (Published)
Heavy metal poisoning is linked to disorders like cancer, endocrine disruption, and kidney dysfunction due to prolonged exposure to environmental pollutants. This study assesses heavy and trace metal levels in cosmetic products sold in Nigeria, including eye shadow, face powder, foundation, henna, eyeliner, and lipsticks. Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), concentrations of heavy metals (mercury, arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel) and trace metals (iron, chromium, zinc) were determined. A health risk assessment based on the Margin of Safety (MoS), calculated from systemic exposure dosage (SED) and No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL), was conducted. Face powders and eyeliners showed concerning iron and lead levels, with MoS values indicating potential health risks from prolonged use. The highest heavy metal concentration (262.850 ppm of iron) was found in henna, while the lowest (0.001 ppm) was observed in various products. The findings highlight the need for stricter regulatory oversight to mitigate these risks.
Keywords: Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, Comparative assessment, Heavy Metals, Nigeria, Personal Care Product (PCP), Trace metals
Settlements Adjoining Tin Mines in Plateau State Are Exposed to Higher Concentrations of Heavy Metals (Published)
Heavy metals are present in the environment naturally at low levels which may not be harmful to humans. Human activities such as dumping of waste, smelting, waste incineration, vehicle exhausts, agricultural waste, fertilizers, mining activities and so on has increased the levels of heavy metals in the environment. Among all the factors that increases the concentration of heavy metals, mining activity is considered as one of the most influential anthropogenic activities which results in changes in landscapes, destruction of habitats, and contamination of soil, ambient air and water, and degradation of land resources. The presence of heavy metals in the environment. Artisanal tin mining activity has continued to increase in communities in Jos plateau state. This activity may be exposing heavy metals that may be harmful to humans and animals. The study aims to check the concentration of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) in soil, ambient air, vegetables, fish, and water samples from the mining site. The metals were also analysed in soil and air in a community close to the mining site.
Citation: Okonkwo F.O., Danladi B., Jonathan B., Ibrahim A.A., Nvau J.B. (2022) Settlements Adjoining Tin Mines in Plateau State Are Exposed to Higher Concentrations of Heavy Metals, International Journal of Biochemistry, Bioinformatics and Biotechnology Studies, Vol.7, No.1, pp.16-24
Keywords: Heavy Metals, Tin Mining, barkin-ladi, exposure