Traditional Eye Makeup Can Poison You

Michaeleen Doucleff, NPR recently reported in the KUHF News for Houston about how eye makeup used to protect children can poison them instead.

Kajal, which is also known as kohl and surma, is illegal in the U.S. because of its high concentration of lead. This traditional eyeliner has as much as 54 percent lead.

Lead is a neurotoxin. And it's especially harmful to babies and young children. Even small amounts can damage developing brains and cause permanent problems.

Recently the toddler of a family, which had emigrated from Afghanistan as refugees, now in Albuquerque, was tested for lead at preschool. The child's blood levels were off the charts. The child’s blood contained more than five times the level considered dangerous by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The toddler’s younger brother, a 4-month old baby, had even higher amounts of lead in his blood.

Staff at the New Mexico Department of Health immediately suspected the eye makeup as the metal source. The parents said they were using the kajal to promote eye health.

Scientists have known for decades that kajal can contain lead. And the metal can easily seep into a child's blood through the skin or eyes.

While in this case, the family admitted that they had brought the traditional eyeliner with them from Afghanistan, a study published in June found that 24 of 36 American lipsticks tested had traces of lead them. However, the largest concentration was about only about 1.3 parts per million — or 0.00013 percent.

It was also reported that now that the parents have stopped using the kajal, the blood lead levels have started declining and neither of the children have shown any adverse symptoms.

Our eyes are very delicate organs, and we should plan routine eye exams whether or not we notice any problems.

By getting your eyes checked regularly, you’ll be able to keep them healthy your whole life. Neglect can be costly!

Click here to schedule an eye exam at 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore.