In blatant violation of the stipulated norms, some private cosmetic and herbal companies are making their products with high quantum of nicotine, lead, arsenic and cadmium, which can cause serious health problems to the people. This has come to light in a research project carried out by some of the pharma scholars of Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Research (DIPSAR) under the guidance of Prof. S S Agrawal, principal, DIPSAR.

Talking to Pharmabiz, Prof Agrawal said that more than 100 tests were conducted on various products of different cosmetic and Ayurvedic companies in their laboratories and the results were quite `disappointing'. He said that he had submitted the findings to the concerned authorities for further action against the companies, who have violated the stipulated provisions in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Some of the leading ayurvedic companies are using high volume of nicotine in their products such as Lal Dant manjan and toothpastes which can cause many health related problems. It should be noted that nicotine was a sinus stimulus and could cause some neurological problems if given to a man in high quantity.

Though the cosmetic companies repeatedly assured the authorities that they were not using lead and other unhygienic substances in their products, laboratory tests revealed that many of these high-profile firms were using the banned substances in high volume.

"Interestingly, these companies have been assuring the government that they go by the norms. But it is nothing but a false claim. Using lead and arsenic cadmium in cosmetic products is dangerous for the users and should be avoided by the companies," added Prof Agrawal.

He however refused to divulge the names of erring companies, but said he had taken up the matter with the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), Union Health Ministry officials and some of the state drugs controlling authorities, along with the findings of the researches as well as the recommendations regarding the subject.

It learnt that some of the major companies including top brands, based in Delhi, are among those companies who have violated the norms to secure the market share.