The NSW Government issued a public warning about a brand of eyeliner on July 24 after tests showed increased levels of lead in the Hashmi branded products.
The discovery came after three children from the same family became sick from using the eye makeup. Doctors found elevated lead levels in their bloodstream upon testing and notified the local public health unit in Western Sydney, Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said in the press release.
NSW Health said people should stop using the products and seek medical advice from their doctor as soon as possible.
“An investigation indicated the health concerns were likely to have been caused by one of the Hashmi brand eyeliners,” Kean said.
NSW Fair Trading has since referred the products to the Australian Border Force.
According to Kean, the products are mainly sold in stores that stock Indian and Pakistani goods.
“Some of the product packaging even specifically states that no lead is present, which is a total disgrace,” Kean said. “I’m absolutely appalled by this as we know that use of cosmetics containing lead can have long-term health effects, including brain and kidney damage in both adults and children.”
“Most commercially produced kajal contain high levels of lead,” the letter read.
“Prolonged application may cause excessive lead storage in the body, affecting the brain and bone marrow, causing convulsions and anemia.
“Despite recommendations against the use of kajal, it is routinely used in children. It is necessary that the health care providers should educate the parents regarding the use of kajal.”