There is poison in your kajal

Bear in mind that renowned scene in ‘Sex and the City 2’ where Carrie Bradshaw prepares to fulfill her ex, Aidan Shaw, in Abu Dhabi? She finishes her appearance with a generous sweep of kajal, quickly increasing her self-confidence.

Well, every lady who is consumed with kohl (and there are numerous) would concur that simply a dash of kajal can raise the whole appearance. This fascination with surma has actually likewise made its method to the West from Asia and the Middle East.

In India, kajal isn’t simply an appeal staple for ladies. Numerous households use it to the eyes and foreheads of babies and young children, thinking it fends off the wicked eye.

It appears this cherished cosmetic item comes with severe health dangers. A post on X (previously Twitter) has actually just recently gone viral, highlighting the threats of lead poisoning related to kohl.

Many research studies have actually verified that kohl presents substantial health threats. A report by NITI Aayog and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) highlights the considerable lead direct exposure in India, keeping in mind a number of recorded cases of lead poisoning are connected to making use of kohl.

The lead connection

“While conventional kajal or kohl items have actually been valued for generations, it’s essential to be conscious of their security. Some standard solutions, especially those used out-of-date approaches or imported from specific areas, might consist of lead,” Dr Ruby Sachdev, expert – visual doctor, Gleneagles Hospital, Bengaluru, informs India Today

She includes that lead is in some cases utilized to boost the colour, however it presents health threats, specifically when used near the eyes.

Dr Aakash Agrawal, specialist neurologist, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar, mentions that kajal can certainly lead to lead poisoning.

“The main issue is that some types of kajal, specifically conventional or homemade ranges, include high levels of lead. When kajal is routinely used to the skin or lower eyelid, lead can be taken in into the blood stream. With time, this build-up of lead can present major health threats,” he includes.

Threats are worrying

Dr Parimala V Thirumalesh, senior expert, neonatology and paediatrics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, informs us that lead is a powerful neurotoxin. When consumed, breathed in, or taken in through the skin, it can trigger substantial damage to the nerve system.

It is very important to keep in mind that lead poisoning is a severe health concern that can impact both kids and grownups. The impacts differ depending on the age of the private and the period of direct exposure.

Contributing to this, Dr Aakash Agrawal points out, “Children are especially susceptible to lead poisoning due to the fact that their bodies take in lead more quickly, and their establishing brains are more vulnerable to damage.”

Routine usage of lead-containing kajal can lead to substantial health problems, consisting of:

• Knowing problems
• Memory problems
• Irritation and aggressive behaviour
• Developmental hold-ups

“The effect on kids’s cognitive and behavioral advancement can be extensive, causing long-lasting effects that might impact their scholastic efficiency and social interactions,” he includes.

The physician goes on to share that grownups who are exposed to lead through routine usage of kajal might likewise experience negative health results, such as:

• Consistent stomach discomfort
• Kidney dysfunction
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Heart problems
• Neurological signs such as headaches and, in serious cases, conditions looking like Parkinsonism

Based On Dr Agrawal, pregnant females are at specific danger as lead poisoning throughout pregnancy can result in miscarriages, stillbirths, and developmental issues in the fetus.