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Toxic effects of selected trace elements contained in make-ups on female university students in Nigeria

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Abstract

Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), beryllium (Be), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and thallium (Tl) are reportedly notorious toxic contents of make-ups, with potential to cause cancer and chronic kidney disease, warranting investigation on their toxic effects. One hundred female university students were randomly selected as consistent users of make-ups for upward of 3 years. The serum/urine levels of the 8 elements were regressed against the kidney functions (estimated glomerular rate, eGFR) of the subjects. At coefficient of − 0.009, As had insignificant (0.518) level. The coefficient for Cd was − .155 and insignificant (0.423). At coefficient of − 039, Pb level was insignificant (0.595). The coefficient, 0.061, for Hg was insignificant (0.462). At − 1.585, the coefficient of Be was insignificant (0.292). The coefficient for Ni, 1.384, was insignificant (0.354). At − .002, the coefficient of Se was insignificant (0.635). The coefficient, 0.039, for Tl was significant at 5% (0.015). This finding internally validated the mean serum Tl level, 201.4900 ± 20.63316 μg/L, which was much higher than the normal level of < 2 µg/L and within the toxic range of > 200 µg/L. A policy is needed to address the use of make-ups containing Tl.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Development Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria

    Onyenekenwa Cyprian Eneh

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The Health Research and Ethical Review Committee of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu approved the study.

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Eneh, O.C. Toxic effects of selected trace elements contained in make-ups on female university students in Nigeria. Environ Monit Assess 193, 412 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-021-09161-4

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