Eyeliner poisoned three children in Australia, authorities said after determining that the cosmetics made in Pakistan were contaminated with lead and other dangerous metals, BBC reported.
The New South Wales state government issued a public health alert after discovering that kohl cosmetics from the Pakistan-made Hashmi brand contained 84 percent lead as well as high levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium and mercury.
Authorities in Sydney were alerted to the product when three children from the same family became sick and it was found there were elevated levels of lead in their blood, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said.
"An investigation indicated the health concerns were likely to have been caused by one of the Hashmi brand eyeliners," said Matt Kean, the state minister overseeing regulation, according to the network.
This is not the first time Hashmi brand eyeliners have been flagged for containing hazardous materials and, while the products are legally imported and sold in specialty stores stocking other Indian and Pakistan products in Australia, they are banned for sale in the U.S.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, many people are not aware that eye cosmetics containing kohl can pose a serious risk of lead poisoning.
Exposure to lead is especially serious for children and can result in anemia, kidney problems, and neurological damage that may include seizures, coma, and death.
In Australia, the packaging on many of the products was found to be misleading, with some even stating no lead was present, BBC noted.
"I'm absolutely appalled by this as we know that the use of cosmetics containing lead can have long-term health effects, including brain and kidney damage, in both adults and children," Kean said, according to ABC News.
Authorities have advised Australians to refrain from using the products while the matter is further examined by the Australian Border Force.
Companies found in breach of health standards could be fined up to $800,000.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.