Studies of radioactive contaminations and heavy metal contents in cosmetics

Measurement of radioactivity in cosmetics such as face powders and eye liner (kohl) has not been reported so far. Herein gamma ray spectrometry and CR-39 solid state nuclear track detector have been used to investigate six cosmetics of different brands. The results have demonstrate that the average values of specific activities of 238U, 232Th and 40K were 12.66±2.96, 14.58±8.83 and 269±120 Bqkg−1, respectively. Also the average radon exhalation rate was 0.21±0.04 Bqm−2h−1. The calculated radium-equivalents were lower than recommended value (370 Bqkg−1). The absorbed dose rates due to the natural radioactivity of the investigated samples ranged from 6.83±2.6 to 99.5±51 nGyh−1. Also, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry studies showed that the concentrations of the heavy Mo, Sr, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, Rb, As, Zr and Cr were 4±0.96, 26.93±12.24, 110135±109973, 672.98±433, 1001±722, 318±145, 3847±790, 60±25, 24.71±13, 9002±4210, 24.71±18 and 153±72 ppm, respectively.