The Food and Drug Department says that some skin lightening creams and beauty or antiseptic soaps and lotions on the local market were found to contain mercury that exceeded appropriate levels and it advises the public to stop using them immediately.
In a press release, the Department said the products are marketed as skin lighteners and anti-aging treatments that remove age spots, freckles, blemishes and wrinkles and that they were found to contain mercury—a toxic metal that can cause severe health problems in adults and children.
Some of the products, Lemon Herbal Whitening Cream, Lulanjina (cream), Crème Diana Qian Mei, Fasco (cream), Milk Cream, Savon pour L’acne Diana soap and Cream Aghadar, were tested by the Minnesota Department of Health in the USA and were found to exceed the acceptable limit of one part per million (ppm).
“Exposure to mercury can heave serious health consequences. Mercury, which is readily absorbed through the skin, can damage the kidneys and the nervous system, and interfere with the development of the brain” of unborn babies and young children, the release said. Persons can get mercury into their bodies through the skin, and children ingest it after using or touching soap or lotions that contain the metal and then putting their fingers into their mouths.
“If you are using or have [used a product containing mercury] stop using this product immediately,” the Department cautioned.
Consumers are advised to check labels (which must be written in English) when purchasing cosmetics for “mercurous chloride,” “calomel,” “mercuric” or “mercury” and not to purchase the product.
For more information the public is asked to contact the Department at telephone numbers 222-8857, 222-8859 or 222-8860.
