A biochemist, Maryam Bello-Hassan, has warned that prolonged use of cosmetics containing harmful substances such as heavy metals, could lead to fatal health consequences, including organ damage.
Bello-Hassan gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Bello-Hassan, who is also a graduate teaching assistant at Texas Tech University, USA, said while cosmetics are designed to enhance people’s appearance, they should not come at the cost of their health.
“I carried out a recent study on ‘Healthy Risk Assessment of Heavy and Trace Metals in Personal Care Products in Nigeria’ and the results were troubling.
“I examined a selection of cosmetics sold in Nigerian markets, including foundation, lipstick, face powder, eyeliner and henna.
“Many of these everyday products contain potentially dangerous levels of heavy metals like lead, cadmium and chromium, which can have long-term health consequences when used over time.
cosmetics sold in Nigeria, including foundation, lipstick, face powder, eyeliner and henna, contain potentially dangerous levels of heavy metals like lead, cadmium and chromium, which can have long-term health consequences
“Heavy metals such as lead and cadmium are toxic, even in small amounts. Prolonged exposure to these metals can cause a range of serious health issues, including organ damage, development problems and cancer,” she disclosed.
Highlighting more dangers from cosmetics containing harmful chemicals, she said that lead affects brain development and causes nervous system issues.
“Also, chromium causes allergic reactions, while nickel and cadmium in foundations and face powder, if accumulated in the body, could cause kidney damage and bone issues,’’ she said.
Bello-Hassan, however, said her study revealed that henna, particularly the local and non-branded variety, was the safest option as it contained minimal contamination.
According to her, women and girls were most at risk because of their exposure to high levels of cosmetics. She said the risk factors included applying those cosmetics to the skin and lips, areas that easily absorb substances.
The biochemist cautioned pregnant women against exposing themselves to the harmful substances in cosmetics, to avoid impeding the development of their babies. She advised consumers to protect themselves by making informed choices, including opting for products certified free from harmful metals.
pregnant women must guard against exposing themselves to the harmful substances in cosmetics, to avoid impeding their foetus’ development
New skin technology will reduce risk of excessive skincare use
Meanwhile, Director -General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said that derma skin care technology, newly introduced into Nigeria will reduce risk of excessive skin care usage.
Mustapha stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
NAN reports that on Oct. 16, the ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tropical Derma Research and Training Institute (TDRTI), a U.S based firm.
“It is a good initiative where there is going to be collaboration between the U.S. based firm and agencies here in the country,’’ he said.
The NBRDA boss said that Nigeria has abundant natural resources which could be harnessed to make cosmetics that are harmless to the skin.
He said by adding value to biological natural resources, through the newly introduced tropical derma technology which also offer skin analysis, toxic skin care products would no longer be a threat.
Nigeria has abundant natural resources which could be harnessed to make cosmetics that are harmless to the skin
Mustapha said bringing the technology closer to the Nigerian society was what would change the narrative of skin care in Nigeria.
According to him, numerous Nigerians are having skin issues arising from the application of excessive skin care products that damage their skin.
“But the collaboration and transfer of technology is going to enhance the product that is going to be developed here in the country.
“The products are going to be commiserate to what we want to reduce the risk of harmful skincare products and usage,’’ he said.
He said the partnership was an important milestone as it directly supported national objectives of promoting public health, fostering innovation and advancing sustainable economic growth.
by encouraging local production, Nigeria could reduce dependence on harmful, unregulated imports and build a safer, high-quality beauty industry
Mustapha noted that the rise in harmful skincare products posed serious health risks to many Nigerians, particularly women, adding that the long-term effects of these unregulated products were alarming.
He said by encouraging local production, Nigeria could reduce dependence on harmful, unregulated imports and build a safer, high-quality beauty industry.
“The collaboration exemplifies the transformative power of science, technology and innovation in tackling public health challenges and promoting sustainable growth.
“With biotechnology natural resources which are bio-resources, can be harnessed and then make it available to be used for the production of cosmetics products,’’ he said. (NAN)
Joan Odafe
