Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The review details historical context, health impacts, and regulatory limits concerning heavy metals in cosmetics and tattoos. The focus is on the presence of toxic elements like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic in products such as skin lightening agents, lipsticks, eye shadows, and tattoo inks. The review also touches upon safety regulations set by global authorities such as the U.S. FDA, the European Union, and the World Health Organization (WHO). The article discusses permissible limits for these metals in cosmetics and tattoo inks to protect consumers from potential health risks.
Who is affected?
Stakeholders primarily include consumers who use cosmetics and tattoos, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with skin sensitivities. Tattoo artists and manufacturers of cosmetic products are also affected, as they must comply with stringent regulations regarding the presence of heavy metals in their products. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and the EU’s REACH Regulation play a role in enforcing these limits. Environmental groups are impacted by the pollution caused by discarded cosmetics and tattoo inks containing heavy metals.
Most important findings
The review emphasizes the health risks posed by heavy metals in cosmetics and tattoos. Lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic are the primary toxicants found in these products, known to cause long-term health issues such as cancer, neurological damage, reproductive problems, and allergic reactions. Notably, the U.S. FDA limits lead in lip products to 10 µg/g and arsenic in color additives to 3 µg/g. Mercury is limited to 1 µg/g in cosmetic products, with stricter rules for those applied near the eyes. The review also highlights the lack of adequate consumer awareness in developing countries, where regulations are either less stringent or non-existent.
Key implications
The key implications for both the industry and public health are significant. Strict enforcement of heavy metal limits is crucial to protect consumers from toxic exposure. The findings suggest the need for continuous monitoring, stricter enforcement of existing regulations, and enhanced consumer awareness regarding the risks associated with these chemicals. From a public health perspective, reducing the levels of heavy metals in cosmetics and tattoos could significantly decrease incidences of skin irritations, neurological disorders, and other health issues linked to prolonged exposure. The review advocates for further research into safer alternatives, as well as improved regulations for labeling and testing cosmetic products for heavy metal contamination.
Citation
Abed, M.S., Moosa, A.A., & Alzuhairi, M.A. (2024). Heavy metals in cosmetics and tattoos: A review of historical background, health impact, and regulatory limits. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 13, 100390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.100390
Heavy metals are high-density elements that accumulate in the body and environment, disrupting biological processes. Lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, nickel, tin, aluminum, and chromium are of greatest concern due to persistence, bioaccumulation, and health risks, making them central to the HMTC program’s safety standards.
Lead is a neurotoxic heavy metal with no safe exposure level. It contaminates food, consumer goods and drinking water, causing cognitive deficits, birth defects and cardiovascular disease. HMTC’s rigorous lead testing applies ALARA principles to protect infants and consumers and to prepare brands for tightening regulations.
Cadmium is a persistent heavy metal that accumulates in kidneys and bones. Dietary sources include cereals, cocoa, shellfish and vegetables, while smokers and industrial workers receive higher exposures. Studies link cadmium to kidney dysfunction, bone fractures and cancer.
