Alpha particle rates and heavy metal concentrations in cosmetics available in the Najaf markets

This study focuses to measure the emission of alpha particle rates (EAPR) and heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Co) (HMC) in some cosmetics (kohl eye, compact powder, and lipsticks) from Najaf markets using CR39 Detectors and Spectrophotometry, respectively. The EAPR range from 0.0068 to 0.0499 mBq cm−2. The mean concentration of HMC in cosmetics ranged from 0.0007 to 0.0339 ppm (Cd), 0.0002–0.0986 ppm (Pb), 0.0350–9.7786 ppm (Zn), 0.0001–0.0058 ppm (Cr), 0.0011–0.1510 ppm (Co). The concentrations of Cr and Co were below the recommended limit for skin protection (1 ppm), whereas Cd and Pb were below the Canadian recommended limit. This study concludes that the HMC and EAPR in the cosmetics were within the recommended limits. The mean HMC contents were arranged in the order: Zn > Pb > Cd > Co > Cr for lipsticks; Zn > Co > Pb > Cd > Cr for powder; Zn > Co > Pb > Cd > Cr for Kohl. A statistically significant correlation (SSC) between HMC and EAPR in cosmetics was found at the 0.05 level. All the various cosmetics brands that contained HMC levels were lower than EPA limits (1 ppm and 0.3ppm, respectively), except the Zn. The cumulative exposure to HMC in cosmetics because of prolonged use is a possible source of HMC toxicity.