Many people believe applying tiro (black cosmetic powder) clears the eyes. Children are victims of this practice, especially in Northern Nigeria, where even newborns receive the "Tiro treatment."
Unfortunately" what they do not know is that tiro is 83% lead!

Lead is a heavy metal that is very poisonous to children when they ingest it. It can cause mental problems, failure to grow adequately, low IQ, kidney dysfunction and many other bad effects. Some of the negtive effects are treatable/reversible but others are not.

You may wonder how tiro under the eye makes its way into the body to cause havoc. It's simple. Kids cry a lot. The water dissolves the tiro powder and is absorbed through the conjuctival surface of the eyes; children also lick tears as it runs down their face. They may also rub their hands along their eyes and unknowingly put these hands in their mouths.

Tiro is not the only source of lead poisoning in children but we can totally eliminate it. Other sources include children's toys, licking or eating paint dust (not all paints contain lead), and car exhaust fumes.

Good