The primary danger of using tiro, a traditional eye cosmetic, is severe lead poisoning. Investigations by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found that tiro can contain extremely high levels of lead, sometimes making up more than 80% of its total weight.
Adverse health effects of lead poisoning for children and infants include:
- Neurological damage: Lower IQ, learning disabilities, and reduced attention span.
- Behavioral problems: Mood disorders and irritability.
- Developmental delays: Problems with growth and delayed puberty.
- Hearing and nerve damage: Decreased auditory function and slower nerve conduction.
- Severe cases: Can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.
For adults
- Cardiovascular issues: Increased risk of high blood pressure and other heart problems.
- Kidney damage: Long-term exposure can lead to renal failure.
- Cognitive decline: Memory loss and decreased mental function.
- Nerve damage: Pain, numbness, or tingling in the extremities.
- Anemia: Lead interferes with the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
For pregnant women
- Harm to the foetus: Lead can cross the placenta and damage a developing fetus’s brain and kidneys.
- Reproductive issues: Increased risk of miscarriage or premature birth.
Other risks and warnings
- Difficulty in identification: It is nearly impossible for users to determine if a specific product contains lead, as it may not be listed on the packaging.
- No safe level: There is no known “safe” level of lead exposure, and even small amounts can have harmful health effects.
- Illegal in the U.S.: Traditional eye cosmetics like tiro are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are illegal to sell in the United States.
- Global concern: Public health officials have identified tiro and similar products (kohl, kajal, surma) as a significant source of lead poisoning in communities where these traditions are practiced.
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