Analytical Evaluation of heavy metals  in eyeshadows: A Risk assessment and Implications for Public Health Regulatory Reforms in Nigeria

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Volume: 12 | Issue: 01 | Year 2026 | Subscription
International Journal of Analytical and Applied Chemistry
Received Date: 06/18/2025
Acceptance Date: 12/22/2025
Published On: 2026-01-05
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By: Verla Evelyn Ngozi, Verla Andrew Wirnkor, Ekweogu Chinonye Victoria, Diagi Bridget Edewede, Aririguzo Bernadine Ngozi, and Iwuoha Godson Ndubuisi

1Senior Lecturer, Child Health Environmental Chemistry, Department of Environmental Technology, School of Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
2Researcher, Analytical Environmental Chemistry, Group Research in Analytical Chemistry and Environment (GRACE), Department of Chemistry, Imo State University, Owerri, PMB 2000, Imo State, Nigeria.
3Lecturer, Environmental Engineering, Department of Environmental Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
4Lecturer, Climatology Environmental Management, Department of Environmental Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
5Paedology, Department of Soil Sciences and Technology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
6Researcher, Analytical Chemistry, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study employs advanced analytical techniques to assess heavy metal contamination (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn) in 18 commercially available eyeshadow products (local and imported) from Owerri Metropolis, Nigeria. Quantification was conducted using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), while risk evaluations incorporated chemometric modeling approaches. Results revealed significant contamination in locally manufactured brands, particularly those containing calabash chalk (Nzu) as a base ingredient. Lead and nickel concentrations reached 166.58 ± 6.5 mg/kg and 43.63 ± 7.5 mg/kg, exceeding European Union safety limits by factors of 83 and 87, respectively. Health risk assessments demonstrated elevated non-carcinogenic hazard indices (HI > 1,000) and lifetime cancer risks (LCR = 10⁻³–10⁻¹), predominantly driven by cadmium (HI = 970) and nickel (LCR = 2.01 × 10⁻¹). Imported products exhibited lower Pb and Ni levels but still contained concerning cadmium concentrations (e.g., Jordana: Cd = 1.42 × 10⁻¹ mg/kg), likely due to low-grade pigments. Margin of Safety (MOS) values for Cr (22.80–74.67) and Cd (23.60–54.44) remained below the acceptable threshold (MOS ≥ 100), indicating insufficient regulatory control. Higher contamination was noted in darker shades, suggesting the influence of iron oxide pigments and geophagic raw materials as contamination sources. Chronic dermal exposure, compounded by frequent daily application, raises concerns of metal bioaccumulation and associated neurotoxicity. Comparative modeling suggests that adopting EU-compliant limits could potentially reduce exposure risks by over 90%. These findings highlight the urgent need for regulatory reforms, pre-market heavy metal screening, and consumer awareness initiatives in Nigeria. Further research focusing on metal speciation and bioavailability is recommended to enhance future risk assessment models.

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How to cite this article: Verla Evelyn Ngozi, Verla Andrew Wirnkor, Ekweogu Chinonye Victoria, Diagi Bridget Edewede, Aririguzo Bernadine Ngozi, and Iwuoha Godson Ndubuisi, Analytical Evaluation of heavy metals  in eyeshadows: A Risk assessment and Implications for Public Health Regulatory Reforms in Nigeria. International Journal of Analytical and Applied Chemistry. 2026; 12(01): -p.

How to cite this URL: Verla Evelyn Ngozi, Verla Andrew Wirnkor, Ekweogu Chinonye Victoria, Diagi Bridget Edewede, Aririguzo Bernadine Ngozi, and Iwuoha Godson Ndubuisi, Analytical Evaluation of heavy metals  in eyeshadows: A Risk assessment and Implications for Public Health Regulatory Reforms in Nigeria. International Journal of Analytical and Applied Chemistry. 2026; 12(01): -p. Available from:https://journalspub.com/publication/ijaac/article=23112

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