New article published in 12(4A) - ENAN / INAC 2024

Assessment of trace elements concentration in cosmetic foundation using X-ray fluorescence technique

Abstract: Facial foundations play a significant role in beauty routines. However, the presence of heavy metals and toxic elements in cosmetics is a concern due to potential health risks. This study investigated the chemical composition of 52 facial foundation samples obtained in Curitiba and São Paulo, Brazil, using X-ray fluorescence for elemental identification. Quantification was performed using the standard addition method and calibration curves. The results indicated the presence of Cu, Zn, Br, Zr, and Ba in concentrations exceeding the limits established by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA). Cd and Ni, elements prohibited in cosmetic formulations, exhibited maximum concentrations of 277 ± 51 µg/g and 130 ± 10 µg/g, respectively. The highest concentration of Zr reached 589 ± 57 µg/g, approximately six times the regulatory limit. In contrast, Ba concentrations exceeded 14,000 µg/g, approximately 60 times the limit, with the highest concentration recorded at 30,867 ± 1,500 µg/g. These findings underscore the need for rigorous monitoring of cosmetic products in Brazil and highlight discrepancies between the marketed cosmetics and ANVISA regulations. Additionally, this study contributes to the growing knowledge regarding potentially harmful elements in facial foundations. Read full article.

Determination of natural radioactivity levels in drinking water and soil at APA Passaúna (Curitiba, PR)

Abstract: Natural radioactive materials have been part of the ecosystem since the formation of the Earth. Monitoring these nuclides in rocks, soils, groundwater, and air is essential for the scientific community and for implementing mitigation measures. This is because radon decay products are the second leading global cause of lung cancer, after tobacco. This study focused on conducting a radiometric survey of properties in the APA Passaúna, Curitiba (PR). The AlphaGUARD PQ2000 PRO equipment was used to measure the concentrations of ²²²Rn and ²²⁶Ra in well water and ²²²Rn and ²²⁰Rn in soil air. Gamma spectrometry was conducted with the portable scintillator BRD-AT6101C. The analysis revealed the presence of ⁴⁰K in all the investigated sites, as expected, along with lower amounts of ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th. Radiation dose equivalents were generally low, except at a specific point where the estimated dose was 1.65 μSv/h, with a ²²⁰Rn concentration of (664 ± 36) kBq/m³. Seven out of the nine wells studied showed a committed effective dose value for the ingestion and inhalation of drinking water above the reference level set by the WHO (0.1 mSv/year). The excess values ranged from 0.106 to 0.385 mSv/year. In contrast, radon concentrations in indoor air ranged from (30 ± 2) to (270 ± 20) Bq/m³, within normal parameters. According to the CNEN standard NN 3.01, the study complies with Brazilian radioprotection standards and has significant social relevance, especially in a region where water is predominantly sourced from wells. These data are preliminary for the southern region of Brazil and highlight the need for further scientific research. Read full article.