LIPSTICK CAUSES CANCER

LIPSTICK CAUSES CANCER

PROF WAQAR HUSSAIN

         Lipsticks and women are hand in gloves with each other since ages. Dr. Younis Butt writes ironically: “Lipsticks are the sticks with which women control men”. No doubt, it beautifies the women and increase captivation. But like a Frankenstein’s monster it destroys its master as its lead content cause deadly dangerous cancer. Its use has increased over the time. British Zoologist Desmond Morris says: “The widespread practice of enhancing the red color of the lips was due to a biological analogy with labia, because these flush red and swell when women are aroused.” What may be the reason, lipsticks are inseparable from present day women. It is their basic right to use it or not. But our concern is about the lead ingredient of the present day lipsticks. In past lipsticks were leads free. Mesopotamian were first to invent and use lipstick. They used to apply finely ground gemstones on their lips. Egyptian extracted red dye from focus-align; it contained iodine and bromine which caused immense health hazard so they abandoned their use. Abul Qasim Zahrawi invented solid, perfumed stick. British used a blend bee wax and red color extracted from plants. American used lipstick with coloring substance “carmine “extracted from an insect etc.

         Now a day, lipsticks are made from waxes, oils, organic dyes and inorganic pigments. More than 50% lipsticks made in USA contain pig fat and castor oil, which impart shinning appearance. The use of lard (fat of pig) is the matter of concern for the Muslim women. Their religious emotion must be respected. On the contrary the Concern of scientists is about inorganic pigments containing lead.

         Lead compounds of red color or shade may be

1)    Lead monoxide (PbO)- reddish yellow

2)    Triplumbate tetra oxide (Pb3 04) – red

3)    Lead dioxide (PbO2) - reddish brown.

It is not sure which lead compound is used in lipstick, as it is trade secret. But one study conducted in USA in 2007 revealed that 60% of tested lipsticks had minor amount of lead especially in red ones. The level of lead varied from 0.03 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm). About 33% lipstick had lead content beyond the safe limit of 0.1 ppm. So, the concern of scientists focus on high lead content as lead is supposed to be carcinogenic, revealed by many studies. Recently MT. Sinai Hospital Toronto has informed to public in pro bono publico spirit: “Some brands of lipstick contains lead (Pb) which caused cancer. The higher is the content of lead, higher is the chance of getting cancer”. There are few simple tests to check the lead content in a lipstick.

             First, lipsticks, which stay on for a longer time, contain higher content of lead.

             Second, paste some lipstick on your palm. Then rub it with gold ring or bangle. If, the color of lipstick changes to black. It means lipstick contain lead.

            Pass on this information to all women you care. Your advice might save them and curb the curse of carcinogenic cancer.

             Keep in mind, the UK had made strict laws about production of cosmetic products. Manufacturers cannot sell their product in market before it is safely tested. Lead

 is banned from all cosmetics except hair dyes.

            In USA, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the lead content in food and cosmetics. They have successfully reduced the content of lead to a benign level. A survey was conducted in 2011 on 400 lipsticks and results indicated minimum level of lead. According to FDA, this level is harmless.

         In Pakistan, it is the duty of health department to redress the problem. In past our woman used to chew Sakra( bark of walnut tree) to clean their teeth and mouth,  apart from coloring their lips red. It was a natural herbal lipstick without any side effects and also served the purpose of teeth and mouth wash. We should seek the benefit from the experiences and wisdom of our forefather. Isaac Asimov says; the saddest aspect of life

 right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom”. Is he not saying right?