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Surma eye cosmetic in Afghanistan: a potential source of lead toxicity in children
J R McMichael1, B K Stoff2,3
1Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1525 Clifton Rd NE 1st Floor, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. jmcmichael@emory.edu.
Insights
Most traditional surma eyeliner products in Afghanistan contain dangerously high lead levels. This poses a significant risk of lead poisoning for infants and children, necessitating urgent public health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Cosmetic Safety
Background:
- Surma, a traditional eyeliner, is widely used for infants in Afghanistan and other regions.
- Previous reports indicate surma may contain lead, a neurotoxin linked to severe health issues in children.
- Lead exposure in children can result in irreversible damage to multiple organ systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess lead content in surma products available in Afghanistan.
- To address the knowledge gap regarding lead contamination in Afghan surma.
Main Methods:
- A convenience sample of 10 surma products was collected in Afghanistan.
- Quantitative analysis was performed to determine the lead concentration in each sample.
Main Results:
- 70% of the analyzed surma samples exhibited high lead levels, ranging from 35% to 83%.
- The remaining 30% of samples showed low lead content, between 0.04% and 0.17%.
Conclusions:
- The high prevalence of lead in Afghan surma is a serious concern for child health.
- Strategies to prevent lead poisoning include promoting lead-free alternatives and educating the public and healthcare providers.
- Targeted interventions are crucial in areas with high surma usage and for populations originating from Afghanistan.
Abstract:
Surma is a traditional eye cosmetic used as an eyeliner for infants in Afghanistan, as well as in many other countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Surma has been reported to contain lead and to be a potential source of lead toxicity in children, which can lead to permanent damage to multiple organ systems. To our knowledge, assessment for lead in surma found in Afghanistan has not been performed. We determined the quantitative lead content of a convenience sample of 10 surma products acquired in Afghanistan. Analysis revealed that 70% of surma samples contained high levels of lead (range 35-83%). The remaining samples contained low levels of lead (range 0.04-0.17%).
Conclusion:
The majority of surma samples contained very high levels of lead, a troubling finding that could potentially correlate with lead toxicity in Afghan children. Making available lead-free surma alternatives and providing health education, for both healthcare professionals and the general population, in locations where surma use is prevalent and for those involved in care of refugees and immigrants from Afghanistan, may be strategies to prevent lead poisoning in children. What is Known: • Surma is a traditional cosmetic used as an eyeliner for infants in Afghanistan as well as in many countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. • Surma has been reported to contain lead and to be a source of lead toxicity in children. What is New: • Assessment for lead content in surma found in Afghanistan has not been performed. • In this convenience sample of 10 surma products acquired in Afghanistan, 70% contained very high levels of lead.
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