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Kohl: a hazardous eyeliner

S A al-Hazzaa1, P M Krahn

  • 1Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., USA.

International Ophthalmology
|January 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary
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Traditional kohl, a popular eye cosmetic, frequently contains high levels of lead. This study analyzed kohl samples, finding significant lead in most, posing a serious health risk, especially for children.

Area of Science:

  • Cosmetic Science
  • Environmental Health
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • Kohl is a traditional eye cosmetic widely used in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
  • Concerns exist regarding the elemental composition of kohl and potential health risks.
  • Understanding kohl's composition is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the elemental composition of kohl specimens from various regions.
  • To identify the presence and levels of toxic metals, particularly lead.
  • To assess the potential health implications of kohl usage.

Main Methods:

  • Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) was employed to analyze kohl samples.
  • Twenty-one kohl specimens from Saudi Arabia, India, and the Middle East were tested.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Five Western eyeliner pencils were analyzed for comparative purposes.

    • Main Results:

    • Lead was detected in two-thirds (14/21) of kohl specimens, with levels up to 100% (mean 48.5%).
    • Seven samples were lead-free, while ten had lead levels exceeding 84%.
    • Carbon was prevalent in six samples (>60%), and antimony was found in one sample (7.8%).

    Conclusions:

    • Modern kohl preparations often contain significant levels of lead and other metals.
    • The high lead content in kohl is a major health concern due to lead's toxicity, especially in children.
    • Lead-containing kohl should be considered a potential source of lead intoxication in endemic regions, necessitating surveillance and regulation.