A new study by the Center for Public Health and Environmental Development (CEPHED) has shown that large amounts of lead have been found in various cosmetic products, including ghazal, vermilion, and toothpaste.

Of the samples tested, 31 percent had detectable lead. Similarly, 24 percent had lead levels above the 1 ppm safety standard set by the United States and Canada. Lead is a harmful metal. 27 percent exceeded the European Union standard of 0.5 ppm. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Lead Poisoning Elimination Project (LEEP, USA). According to a public study report released on Friday, 16 percent of the samples even exceeded Nepal's 10 ppm quality standard. "We have no mechanism to regulate such products. While millions of people use them," said Ram Chitra Shah, an environmental scientist and executive director at CEPHED. "Our study shows that the situation is challenging." It is necessary for the authorities to take initiatives to protect public health.’ Lead and heavy metal poisoning are seen as a serious problem in Nepal. Lead has been linked to problems such as low IQ, behavioral problems, stunted child development, kidney damage, hypertension, infertility, and more. The World Health Organization has said that the use of lead is not safe. Its effects are especially noticeable in children.

Earlier, substances such as mercury, arsenic, and cadmium were found in food, Ayurvedic medicines, and turmeric used in cooking. This report shows that even famous brands have high levels of lead.

Lead was found in most of the products tested.

Lead was found in nearly 40 percent of the samples. Some had lead levels as high as 124.73 ppm.

More than 81 percent of the sindoor samples were above the European standard of 0.5 ppm. A brand called Mamta Sindoor was found to have 115.93 ppm of lead.

Lead was found in 45 percent of the toothpastes tested. Some had up to 51.28 ppm of lead. Himalaya Kids Orange toothpaste was found to have 1.26 ppm of lead, which is more than the prescribed standard.

Colgate, Pepsodent, Dabur Red, Dantakali and Clove Cavity Protection toothpastes were also found to have levels of lead higher than the prescribed standard.

Experts have warned that brushing twice a day with such toothpastes can cause long-term problems. This is especially true in children, as they swallow the toothpaste while brushing. ‘Used twice a day can be harmful. Children absorb 4-5 times more toothpaste, vermilion and ghazal than adults,’ the report said. 3.45 percent of ghazal samples tested positive for lead. However, researchers have said that ghazal poses a greater risk because it is applied close to the mucosal surface.

In Nepal, parents have been applying ghazal to children for a long time. By province, Bagmati province has the highest lead infection.

42.5 percent of the samples collected in the Kathmandu Valley tested positive for lead. Similarly, 26.3 percent in Gandaki, 21.7 percent in Koshi and 22.2 percent in Madhes province tested positive.

Experts have said that prolonged exposure to lead in children can lead to problems such as low IQ, difficulty concentrating, aggressive behavior, and stunted growth. Similarly, adults can experience problems such as hypertension, infertility, premature birth, and low birth weight.

Daily use of vermilion absorbs lead through the skin. Lead stored in bones for decades can become active during pregnancy and breastfeeding, causing problems.