Kathmandu, Feb. 2 -- Millions of people, including women and children, in Nepal have been found exposed to lead, a toxic heavy metal. A new study by the Centre for Public Health and Environmental Development (CEPHED) found high concentrations in nearly one-third of cosmetic products including gajal (a black eyeliner also known as kajal) and sindoor (vermilion powder), and toothpaste.

The study, carried out with the technical and financial support of the Lead Poisoning Elimination Project (LEEP, USA), found that 31 percent of tested samples contained detectable lead, while 24 percent exceeded the strict 1 ppm safety limit set by the United States and Canada, and 27 percent surpassed the European Union's 0.5 ppm standard.

The study, made ...