Lead Levels in Powders of Surma (Kohl) Used in Kerman

Lead poisoning is a global problem and considered to be the most important environmental disease in children. Exposure to even low amounts of lead is dangerous. Lead containing eye make ups due to the long time contact with skin and eye mucosa can lead to blood and eye symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the amount of lead in powders of kohl in Kerman. In this study, from 12 types of kohl in Kerman sale centers, 48 samples were prepared. After preparation, the lead content of samples has been measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometery. Mean concentration of lead in measured samples was 254.5µg/g. Minimum and maximum concentrations of lead were 3.2µg/g and 1219.4µg/g, respectively. Totally, average lead concentrations of plant-base samples were lower than that of mineral-base ones. According to the results, high levels of lead in available Surmas in Kerman city requires some cultural measures for changing peoples’ attitudes toward using this cosmetics as eyeliner or revision in their formulation in order to remove lead or decrease it to the standard limit. Since use of Kohl is associated with increase of lead in blood and ocular problems, determination of blood lead concentration and ocular problems in consumer groups are highly recommended.