Determination of Trace Metals in Chemicals Associated with Body Painting

Introduction: Beautification of the skin is a global phenomenon with both males and females engaging in the practice of body painting without regards to the toxicology of the art. The presence of toxic heavy metals as part of the chemicals of body painting have been implicated in a number of health conditions including blood borne diseases, keloids and compromise of the immune status. Aims: This study was, therefore, designed to determine the concentration of heavy metals in the chemical materials used in body painting. Materials and Methods: Twenty (20) various samples of body painting chemicals (natural and synthetic) were obtained in four open markets and analysed for heavy metals (Cd, Zn, Pb, Fe, Ni, and Cu) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Results: The results observed ranged 7.09-106, 0.31-0.50, 0.94-4.81, 0.24-0.89, 0.003-0.6 and 0.002- 0.002 (µg/g) for Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cd respectively in natural (plant based) materials while in synthetic materials, the results ranged 0.31-5.31, 0.31-0.50, 0.29-2.72, 0.11-0.91, 0.003-0.003 and 0.002-0.002 (µg/g) for Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cd respectively. The decreasing order of metals in all samples investigated was Fe > Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cd. Conclusion: The concentrations of some of the metals investigated were relatively high and bio-accumulations of these metals portend health threats. Therefore, health agencies and other regulatory bodies should enforce control on the public use of these body painting chemicals.