ASSESSING THE CUMULATIVE EFFECTS OF HEAVY METAL EXPOSURE FROM COSMETIC PRODUCTS ON LOCAL CONSUMERS

This study investigates the comprehensive impact of heavy metals (HMs) on individuals who use cosmetic products daily compared to non-users (controlled group), encompassing both male and female subjects. Utilizing Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, concentrations of HMs in diverse cosmetic products were determined, with results from samples of both user and controlled groups analyzed and compared. The range of HM concentrations in blood samples was assessed, revealing varied levels across Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As). Results revealed a wide range of HM concentrations, including Cd (0.4-5.1 µg/l in males, 1.8-8.1µg/l in females), Hg (60.7-85.5 µg/l in males, 78.5-99.3 µg/l in females), Pb (48.7-99.5 µg/l in males, 83.3-99.5 µg/l in females), and As. Some samples exceeded safety limits, emphasizing the need for stringent regulation and improved manufacturing practices to ensure safer cosmetic products and protect consumer health. The incorporation of survey methodologies enhances the study's depth, providing comprehensive insights into the potential health risks associated with HM exposure from cosmetic use.

Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), and Hg [4].HMs are non-biodegradable and tend to mass in living entities [5].HMs are present everywhere due to their ubiquitous nature, so their presence is un-avoidable.Most of them are potential carcinogens and cause serious health hazards [6].There have been reports that some cosmetic goods, such as kohl that is historically used to line the eyes in several cultures, contain high quantities of Pb, which can have negative health implications.Studies have also revealed that some eyeshadows, not just those from a particular region, may have Pb levels above the legal limit [7].uneven movement of the eyes and imbalanced stiffness & ataxia.Significant quantities of Hg are found in cosmetics and at elevated alert levels in the scalp hair of users [46].The extended consumption of products containing Hg leads to nephritic syndrome [47].In literature, various studies have been reported for HMs in numerous cosmetic products from many regions (Table 2) [48].
The primary objective of this study is to  along with similar findings reported in existing literature.

Material
Analytical grade nitric acid (HNO3, 65%) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 30%) were procured from E. Merck.Standard solutions of Cd, Hg, Pb, and As were purchased from Fisher Scientific.Ni salt was provided by E.
Merck to prepare Ni standard solution.
Deionized water was used in the experiment.

Blood Sample Collection
Blood samples were drawn from a broad set of volunteers, ranging in age from 18 to 60.
These volunteers were chosen to provide a representative and through cross section of the population of the Lahore (Figure 1

Estimation
To determine the concentration of selected HMs in given samples, sample solution, blank solution and standard solution were tested with AAS and curves were obtained for all metals in these solutions.

Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted to assess the   The maximum and minimum limit of these metals in blood samples was not regular.A random range of Cd, As, Hg, and Pb are shown in figures (Figure 2 and Figure 3) of noncosmetic and cosmetic users respectively.

Study of controlled group (Males and
Females) The concentration of Cd is higher in females as compared to males.shown that HMs are increasing in exposed working people.

Factors Contributing to Elevated Heavy Metal Concentrations in Non-Users
Although the primary objective of our investigation was to evaluate HM concentrations in cosmetics users, the finding that non-users had elevated HM levels emphasizes the significance of taking other potential sources of exposure into account.
Regardless of the usage of cosmetics, a number of variables could be responsible for the reported HM amounts in non-users:

Environmental Contamination
HM contamination of air, soil, and water can occur widely as a result of environmental pollution, which includes vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and agricultural runoff [49,50].Individuals living in urban or industrial regions may be exposed to higher levels of HM by breathing in contaminated air or consuming contaminated food and water [51].

Dietary Habits
Regardless of the usage of cosmetics, dietary intake is a substantial pathway for HM exposure in the general population.Foods that bio-accumulate HM in the food chain include cereals, shellfish, and green vegetables [52,53].These foods can increase an individual's consumption of HM.The amount of HM in food consumed can also be influenced by the way it is processed and cooked [54].

Occupational Exposures
Occupational activities involving direct contact with heavy metal-containing materials or processes, such as mining, metalworking, and construction, can result in elevated HM levels in non-users [55].Workers in these industries may inadvertently carry HM residues into their homes, affecting household members through secondary exposure pathways [56,57].

Geographical Location
Variations in commercial activities, soil type, and proximity to sources of pollution can all contribute to regional disparities in HM exposure levels.Risks associated with heavy metal exposure may be higher for non-users living in regions with past, present, or future mining operations or industrial activity [58].
The propagation of airborne heavy metal pollution can also be influenced by meteorological conditions, elevation, and dominant wind patterns [59,60].

Consumer Products and Household Items
Cookware, electronics, cosmetics, kids' toys, and other consumer goods might expose users to heavy metals [55][56].Non-users may encounter HM-containing items in everyday life, which contributes to the total body burden of HM.

Interplay of Multiple Factors
It's critical to understand that HM after calculation are listed in Table 5.
Table 5: Statistical analysis of concentrations of HMs in blood samples of cosmetic users.
The present research was performed for the assessment of the concentration of HMs within the blood of normal humans that don't use cosmetic products on daily basis and the people that use these products daily.
Variations in the concentration of HMs are surely proven in the above tables and figures.
The concentration of Cd is low in those females who use cosmetic products in a very minute quantity in their daily routine and they do not face any toxic and poisonous effects as the other women who use cosmetic products repeatedly and are facing many toxic effects.Cd is observed as non-poisonous metal in these products and the above figure 3 shows the minute quantity of this metal.

HM Exposure Effects in Local Consumers
To comprehensively evaluate the impact of

Participants
The survey results revealed a diverse range of cosmetic product usage among respondents, with a significant portion reporting daily use (41%), followed by occasional (23%) and rare (19%) usage.Weekly usage was comparatively lower at 6%, while 11% of respondents indicated that they never use cosmetic products.Gender distribution among participants showed a higher representation of females (77%) compared to males (23%).
In terms of age demographics, the respondents spanned a wide range, with the majority falling between 18 and 26 years old.

Health Effects Assessment
The study conducted a comprehensive survey to assess the health effects experienced by individuals exposed to HMs through cosmetic products.The severity of these adverse reactions varied (Figure 4), with the majority categorized as mild, although a notable proportion reported moderate and severe reactions.
Additionally, the survey assessed whether individuals sought medical attention for these adverse reactions (Figure 5) providing insights into the proactive measures taken by consumers in response to their symptoms.These findings highlight the diverse range of health impacts associated with HM exposure from cosmetic products.

Exposure Pathways Assessment
A significant majority (69%) reported direct application of cosmetics on the skin, particularly on areas like the face and lips.Additionally, 10% mentioned applying products near mucous membranes such as the eyes and mouth, R.
Interestingly, only 13% admitted to using cosmetic products on broken or irritated skin, with the majority (83%) avoiding such practices and a small portion (4%) mark it as not applicable.Furthermore, the survey explored accidental ingestion of cosmetic products, with 31% of respondents admitting to this occurrence.However, a majority (54%) reported no such incidents, while 15% remained uncertain about accidental ingestion.These findings (Figure 7) underscore the importance of understanding exposure pathways and safe usage practices to mitigate potential health risks associated with cosmetic product use.

Risk Assessment
The survey investigated participants' awareness and attitudes regarding HM presence in cosmetic products, as well as their safety assessment practices and concerns about potential health risks.Results indicated that 42% of respondents were aware of regulatory standards for HMs in cosmetics, while 43% were not, and 15% remained unsure (Figure 7).Its unique properties affect its behavior and comprehensively assess the cumulative effect of HM exposure in different blood samples of cosmetic users and controlled group (males and females).By employing AAS, the main objective is to quantitatively determine the concentrations of HMs in blood samples, thereby evaluating potential health risks associated with their usage.Here, we seek to raise awareness among consumers, cosmetic industry and regulators regarding the significance of monitoring HM content in cosmetics to ensure safety.The results of this study aim to shed light on the prevalence of HMs in the cosmetic and beauty products and their latent health implications.Furthermore, regulatory authorities could utilize this data to implement strict rules and safety standards for the formulations of cosmetic.

Figure 1 :
Figure 1: Sample collection areas in Lahore for study on HM exposure.2.3 Sample Preparation1ml of blood of each sample (preserved in EDTA) taken in various beakers.Digestion was carried out by the addition of 1-2 ml concentrated nitric acid (65%).Then, concentrated HNO3 was added to the previous resultant followed by the addition of scientific calibrated standard solution of metals such as Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, Cu and Co with 1000ppm concentration were available in the laboratory but the standard solution of Ni was prepared by using the analytical grade MERCK salts by using the following formula.
impact of HM exposure from cosmetic products on local consumers.Participants were recruited through various channels, including social media platforms, community groups, and local advertisements.Individuals aged 18 years and above were eligible to participate in the survey.The survey instrument was designed to collect information on demographic characteristics, cosmetic product usage patterns, and experiences of adverse health effects potentially associated with HM exposure.The questionnaire consisted of closed-ended questions to facilitate quantitative analysis of responses.Data collection took place over a period of time, during which participants were invited to complete the survey either online or through paper-based forms distributed at local community centers.Participants were assured of anonymity and confidentiality, and informed consent was obtained before participation.A total of 100 respondents completed the survey, providing valuable insights into the prevalence of cosmetic product usage, demographic distribution, and reported health effects associated with HM exposure.3.RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONConcentrations ofHMs were determined using curves obtained through AAS.The concentrations of As, Pb, Cd, and Hg in blood samples of both males and females were compared.In cosmetic users, male blood samples exhibited lower concentrations of HMs compared to females.Similarly, in the controlled group who do not use cosmetics, the trend of lower HM concentrations in males compared to females was observed.

Figure 2 :
Figure 2: Graphical representation of controlled group males and females.

Figure 3 :
Figure 3: Graphical representation of cosmetic user males and females.
HMs on local consumers, our research employs a multifaceted approach encompassing various survey methodologies.Firstly, a Health Effects Assessment is conducted to ascertain if consumers are experiencing any adverse effects linked to HM exposure, including skin irritation, allergies, or systemic health issues.Secondly, an Exposure Pathways Analysis is undertaken to investigate the routes through which consumers come into contact with HMs from cosmetic products, such as dermal absorption or ingestion, while also assessing the relative contributions of each pathway to overall exposure.Finally, a Risk Assessment is performed utilizing exposure data and toxicological information to gauge the potential health risks posed by detected HM levels, comparing them against established safety thresholds or guidelines.This comprehensive methodology aims to provide a nuanced understanding of HM exposure's impact on local consumers, thereby contributing to informed decision-making regarding the safety and regulation of cosmetic products.

Figure 4 :
Figure 4: Adverse reaction by the use of HM containing cometic.

Figure 5 :
Figure 5: Medical attention of public regarding health issues by the use of cosmetics.

Figure 6 :
Figure 6: Exposure Pathways to Cosmetic Products.

Figure 7 :CONCLUSION
Figure 7: Awareness and attitudes of public regarding HM presence in cosmetic products.When evaluating the safety of cosmetic products, diverse strategies were observed: 40% checked product labels for ingredient information, 21% researched online for reviews and safety data, 25% trusted brand reputation, and 10% sought advice from healthcare professionals.Interestingly, a small proportion (1%) consulted beauty parlor beauticians, and 3% admitted to never checking for safety measures.Concerning health risks associated with HMs, 16% expressed no concern, 51% were somewhat concerned, and 33% were very concerned.To mitigate the risks associated with cosmetics, conducting thorough research into the credibility and reputation of brands within the cosmetics industry is essential.This process involves scrutinizing official websites, customer

Table 1 :
Concentration (µg/g) of HMs in various cosmetic products.*[ND=not determined] based paints, polluted water pipes, and kitchenware [9].Heavy metal buildup in soil and water due to historical mining activities, the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and industrial discharge all have an impact on crops and cattle [10-12].Heavy metals are used in medical tests and treatments, which can harm people accidently and cause them to accumulate in their body tissues [13].especially beauty creams, contain dangerous chemicals like hydroquinone, mercury, or corticosteroids as main ingredients, authorities have been cracking down on them.This underscores the urgent need for tighter regulations and quality control to protect consumers from potential health risks [8].Table 1 displays the concentration of distinct HMs in various cosmetic brands.The chemicals present in cosmetic products penetrate to the skin or other body tissues and cause skin problems or other harmful diseases.Skin rashes and inflammation of the epithelial cells can result from HMs found in applied cosmetics.Hg is hazardous and flammable HM.It is a lustrous, silver-white liquid that forms both organic and inorganic compounds when amalgamated with other components.It vaporizes quickly and is the only metal that exist in a liquid state at room temperature [40].Additionally, there are three different types of Hg compounds: the metallic element (Hg 0 ); 2+ ); and more hazardous organic molecules (phenyl, ethyl, and methylmercury, MeHg).Hg comes in various forms, each with a unique bioavailability and toxicity [41].Elemental Hg, in its metallic form, is relatively inert, and its adsorption kinetics vary based on environmental conditions and interacting surfaces, notably studied in Hg vapor adsorption in air and soil interfaces [42].and only in completed products at levels no higher than 65 parts per million (ppm).Hg compounds are not permitted in any other cosmetic items, unless they are present in trace amounts of less than 1 ppm [45].According to H.H. Abbas et al. (2020), there are only two common signs of Hg exposure:

Table 2 :
Comparison of HM concentrations (µg/g) in various cosmetic products from different countries,

Table 3 :
Description of sample collection in different areas of Lahore for study on HM exposure.

Table 4 :
Statistical analysis of the concentration of HMs in blood samples of controlled group.

Table 6 :
Health Effects Assessment from PublicExposure to HMs in Cosmetic Products.