Beautifully Toxic: The Effects of a Burmese Cosmetic Practice

IN THESE COLORFUL 2011 photographs, Burmese children are adorned with thanakha, a traditional decorative makeup. Thanakha (pronounced tha-na-KA) is obtained from grinding the bark of thanakha trees, which grow in Burma, Thailand, parts of India, and the Himalayas. Many different brands of this product are available commercially. The yellowish-white, creamy cosmetic is commonly applied to the face in attractive designs, the most popular form being a circular patch on each cheek. The cream is sometimes applied to the arms of women, girls, toddlers, and infants and to a lesser extent to men and boys. Thanakha is also used traditionally in skin treatments to tighten pores, combat wrinkles, and protect the skin from harmful sun rays.

Thanakha has previously been linked to elevated blood lead levels among Burmese refugee children. A study conducted on behalf of the Indiana State Department of Health showed that the blood lead levels among Burmese refugee children in Indiana were 10 times higher than the average level of all Indiana children tested in 2008. The study traced a persistent cluster of lead poisoning detected in Burmese refugee children to thanakha and aw tway, traditional Burmese digestive remedies used for children.¹ Recently, the New York State Department of Health, Center for Environmental Health’s laboratory tested a brand of thanakha sold in New York and discovered that the product contained lead amounts ranging from 12 to 17 micrograms per gram.² Elevated blood lead levels (venous ≥ 10 mcg/dL) can lead to permanent neurocognitive sequelae in children.¹ Although the product has not been documented as causing elevated blood lead levels in any Burmese children or women in New York State up to this point, the possibility cannot be ruled out.

Burmese children wearing thanakha, a traditional decorative makeup. Photographs by Kyle Crum and Bessie Crum.

Today, the United States is home to immigrants from across the world. Many families continue to use traditional remedies, foods, and items from their home countries. Although many traditional remedies might not be harmful to the environment or the public, some are, and these images are presented to raise awareness of one cultural practice that has been shown to put both individuals and the larger public at risk. It is important for policymakers and practitioners to develop an understanding of the cultural and medicinal practices of immigrant and refugee populations to better serve them and help them assess potential risks of certain practices, both for themselves and for society.