ASSESSMENT OF CADMIUM CONTENT IN COSMETICS BY EXTRACTION WITH DILUTED HCl AND AQUA REGIA

Abstract

The intensive industrial and technological development results in an
appearance of a large amount of pollutants and toxic substances in the biosphere including
large quantities of heavy metals. Some heavy metals are biogenic (Cu, Zn, Se etc.) and
essential for proper maintaining of the metabolism in the human body. The main dangers to
the human health are associated with the exposure to toxic elements such as Pb, Cd, Hg and
As. Emission of Cd in the environment has increased during the 20th century mainly due to
the recycling of the products containing this element. Cadmium accumulates in the human
body with a biological half-life from 10 to 30 years and could cause very serious toxic
effects. Cosmetic products are potentially a source of cadmium as well as some other heavy
metals mostly due to the frequent and uncontrolled usage of cosmetics of poor аnd/or
suspicious quality. The goal of the study is to determine the cadmium content in various
cosmetic products (lipsticks, eyeshadows and blushes) present in the markets of the Republic
of Srpska. The content of Cd was determined with atomic absorption
spectrophotometry (AAS) after the extraction with diluted HCl and aqua regia. The results
of the research show that the cadmium concentrations in the investigated products are in
accordance with the regulations of the Republic of Srpska (Regulations on safety of consumer
goods; „Official Gazette RS“ – No.17/15).