https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0121-7055
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ABSTRACT
Purpose
To study cosmetics and personal care products-related ocular exposures in the United States.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of cosmetics and personal care products-related ocular exposures from 2000 through 2018 was conducted using data from the National Poison Data System.
Results
From January 2000 through December 2018, United States Poison Control Centers received 266,743 calls concerning eye exposures to cosmetics and personal care products, corresponding to a mean of 14,039 calls per year. Young children (<6 years old) represented 51.6% of exposures, while older children and teenagers (6–19 years old) and adults (≥ 20 years old) represented 19.5% and 28.9% of exposures, respectively. Over the study period, the annual frequency of exposures decreased by 46.0%. The product subcategories associated with the highest proportion of exposures were perfumes, colognes, and aftershaves (19.0%), suntan and/or sunscreen products (11.2%), nail polishes (9.5%), soaps (6.3%), and creams, lotions, and make-up (5.8%). The product subcategories associated with the greatest proportion of moderate or major medical outcomes were acrylic nail adhesives (14.4%), miscellaneous nail products (12.9%), other hair care products excluding peroxides (10.9%), hair coloring agents excluding peroxides (8.9%), and peroxides (7.5%).
Conclusions
Although the annual frequency of exposures to cosmetics and personal care products declined during the study period, public health efforts are needed to prevent further ocular exposures to these products. Containers of potentially ocular-toxic products should be redesigned to reduce confusion with eye dropper bottles and to reduce attractiveness to young children, with immediate priority placed on acrylic nail adhesives.
Proprietary interests and conflicts of interest
None of the authors has any proprietary interests or conflicts of interest related to this submission.
Prior publication
This article has not been published anywhere previously and is not simultaneously being considered for any other publication.
Financial disclosure statement
The authors declare that they received no financial interest or benefit related to this study.
Disclosure of interest statement
None of the authors has any proprietary interests or conflicts of interest related to this submission. The authors report no conflict of interest.
Data availability statement
Data analyzed in this study are from the National Poison Data System database, which is a proprietary database owned and managed by the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC). Data requests should be directed to the AAPCC.