Assessment of lead and cadmium levels in frequently used cosmetic products in Iran.

This study aims to investigate the content of lead and cadmium in most frequently used brands of cosmetic products (lipstick and eye shadow) in Iran. Fifty samples of lipstick (5 colors in 7 brands) and eye shadow (3 colors in 5 brands) were selected taken from large cosmetic stores in Isfahan (Iran) and lead and cadmium of them were analyzed. The results showed that the concentration of lead and cadmium in the lipsticks was within the range of 0.08-5.2 µ g/g and 4.08-60.20 µ g/g, respectively. The eye shadow samples had a lead level of 0.85-6.90 µ g/g and a cadmium level of 1.54-55.59 µ g/g. The content range of the heavy metals in the eye shadows was higher than that of the lipsticks. There was significant difference between the average of the lead content in the different brands of the lipsticks and eye shadows. Thus, the continuous use of these cosmetics can increase the absorption of heavy metals, especially Cd and Pb, in the body when swallowing lipsticks or through dermal cosmetic absorption. The effects of heavy metals such as lead can be harmful, especially for pregnant women and children. Therefore, effort must be made to inform the users and the general public about the harmful consequences of cosmetics.

Ultraviolet irradiation: An effective inactivation method of Aspergillus spp. in water for the control of waterborne nosocomial aspergillosis.

Invasive aspergillosis is the second most common cause of nosocomial fungal infections and occurring mainly by Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus niger. There is evidence that nosocomial aspergillosis may be waterborne. This study was conducted to evaluate the ultraviolet (UV) irradiation efficiency in terms of inactivating the most important Aspergillus species in water since these are potential sources for nosocomial aspergillosis. A continuous flow UV reactor which could be used as a point-of-use (POU) system was used to survey Aspergillus inactivation by UV irradiation. The inactivation efficiency of UV fluence (4.15-25 mJ/cm(2)) was measured by determination of fungal density in water before and after radiation. Because turbidity and iron concentration are two major water quality factors impacting UV disinfection effectiveness, the potential influence of these factors on UV inactivation of Aspergillus spp. was also measured. The 4 log inactivation for A. fumigatus, A. niger and A. flavus at a density of 1000 cfu/ml was achieved at UV fluences of 12.45 mJ/cm(2), 16.6 mJ/cm(2) and 20.75 mJ/cm(2), respectively. The inactivation efficiency for lower density (100 cfu/ml) was the same as for the higher density except for A. flavus. The removal efficiency of Aspergillus spp. was decreased by increasing the turbidity and iron concentration. UV disinfection could effectively inactivate Aspergillus spores from water and eliminate potential exposure of high-risk patients to fungal aerosols by installation of POU UV systems.