Original Articles
Onyambu ZM, Nawiri MP, Kareru
Abstract
Exposure of heavy metals is one of the major health concerns in both developing and developed countries. Preference of herbal cosmetics (lotions, soaps and creams) is on the rise and this necessitates determination of their heavy metal levels. Five brands of creams in the Kenyan market made from herbal cosmetic, Aloe vera, were analysed for the heavy metals, Hg, Pb, Cd, Zn, Mn and Cr. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy were the analytical methods employed. The mean level (ppm) reported ranged as follows: Hg (0.04 ± 0.01-0.11 ± 0.01), Pb (0.03 ± 0.01-0.68 ± 0.14), Cd (0.02 ± 0.01-0.06 ± 0.01), Zn (0.11 ± 0.01-1.99 ± 0.01), Mn (0.02 ± 0.01-0.10 ± 0.01), and Cr (0.03 ± 0.01-0.08 ± 0.01). Aloe vera creams therefore expose users to heavy metals whose effects would be detrimental especially to the long term users.