Analisis Kandungan Timbal (Pb) pada Cat Kuku dan Tingkat Pengetahuan serta Sikap Mahasiswi FKM USU terhadap Penggunaan Cat Kuku

Abstract

Heavy metals such as lead have been found in some nail polishes but in low concentrations. Lead compounds are used as color pigments such as Pb chromate, Pb sulfide, Pb carbonate, and Pb acetate. These colorants can increase impurities in the product. Lead can accumulate in the body with prolonged exposure, leading to health issues. This study aims to analyze the lead content in nail polish and the level of knowledge and attitudes of female students on the use of nail polish as well as to analyze the characteristics of FKM USU female students based on age, stambuk, and duration of nail polish usage. This type of research is descriptive with a sample of 10 nail polishes and 86 FKM USU female students taken using purposive sampling method. Nail polish samples were tested using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the data in this study were analyzed univariately. The results showed that all nail polish samples contained lead with the highest lead concentration of 0.722 mg/L in gray color and the lowest of 0.300 mg/L in peach color with an average concentration of 0.518 mg/L. This demonstrates that nail polishes in the market are not free from the risk of lead hazards and should contain no lead at all and a review of existing regulations is necessary. In this study, the level of knowledge of female students was in the good category and the attitude of female students on the application of nail polish was in positive attitude. It is recommended to nail polish users to be more careful in choosing nail polish products, ensure safe application and usage of nail polish and using natural nail polish such as henna and to educators including content creators should also focus on educating about the dangers present in cosmetic products such as nail polish.