Evaluation of the Concentration of Some Heavy Metals in Hair Dyes in Baghdad

It is obvious that heavy metals toxicity to humans is as a result of long term or extreme level exposure to pollutants common in the environment including the air, water, food and many consumer products like the cosmetics and toiletries. In this study, we measured the levels of toxic metals in different hair dye products sold at local shops in Baghdad, Iraq. The hair dyes included twelve samples. These items were buying from diverse shops in different locations include Baghdad markets and from different companies and several brands. The samples of heavy metals were analyzed (lead, cadmium, iron, and copper). The selected toxic of heavy metals concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. the samples analyzed contained a detectable amount of all the metals of interest. The concentration of the heavy metals in the samples ranged ( 0.41 _0.91 ppm) from lead, (0.26_0.31ppm) from copper, (0.64_1.36ppm) from iron, and (0.11_0.16ppm) from cadmium. Obviously, the present study the use of some hair dyes exposes users to low concentrations of toxic heavy metals which could put up potential health damage to users since it has been known that heavy metals can increase in the biological system by the time and are known to generate skin problems or diseases such as cancer. Further research to better understand the various sources of heavy metals in cosmetic products and tortillas is recommended.