Resumen

FONOVICH, Teresa Mabel et al. Exposición de seres humanos a alimentos y cosméticos que contienen colorantes: un estudio de encuestasHuman beings’ exposure to food and cosmetics containing colorants: a study based on surveys. Acta bioquím. clín. latinoam. [online]. 2015, vol.49, n.3, pp.353-367. ISSN 0325-2957.

Most people in Argentina nowadays live in cities and consume industrialized products containing additives, including colorants. Colorants more frequently used in cosmetics and personal care products are usually the same as the ones used in food. Preliminary surveys were carried out to evaluate the consumption of the cited products by different population samples. Colorants declared in the food labels of these products were also investigated. The results show similar patterns in surveys filled on paper sheets carried out in San Martín city and in surveys filled "on line". Other surveys, carried out in Caleta Olivia city were considered as proof surveys, due to their small sample size. Sweets and carbonated beverages reached the highest percentages of food consumption, and tooth pastes, soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners were the cosmetic and personal care products most consumed by respondents. Tartrazine and other azo-compounds were highly distributed in the ingredient section of the products. Brilliant blue was also highly declared in cosmetics and personal care products. Titanium dioxide was important in selected categories of products. Further investigations on the frequency of intake of these products and the quantification of colorants there will make it possible to calculate the possible daily intake for these selected age groups.

Palabras clave : Human beings’ exposure; Food; Cosmetics; Personal care products; Colorants; Surveys; Food labels.