35 Whitening Creams Found Laced With Mercury - Consumer Warning
A recent investigation by the EcoWaste Coalition has uncovered a shocking health hazard involving 35 skin-lightening products laced with mercury. The toxic chemical, known to affect the nervous, digestive, and endocrine systems, was found in alarming concentrations far exceeding safety limits. Consumers are being urged to stay vigilant and avoid these harmful products.
Mercury Levels Beyond Safe Limits
According to the EcoWaste Coalition, the products were screened using an X-ray fluorescence chemical analyzer, revealing mercury levels far above the safe limit of 1-part-per-million (ppm) set by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Cosmetic Directive on heavy metal contaminants. Shockingly, 15 of the products contained mercury concentrations exceeding 10,000 ppm.
Health Risks of Mercury-Contaminated Products
Mercury in skin-lightening creams poses severe health risks, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO). Regular use of these products can lead to:
- Kidney damage
- Skin rashes, discoloration, and scarring
- Reduced resistance to bacterial and fungal infections
- Neurological issues such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, and peripheral neuropathy
The harmful effects of mercury are not limited to the user alone. Mercury vapors released from these products can also pose health risks to other household members and contribute to environmental pollution.
Products and Countries of Origin
The contaminated products were manufactured in various countries, including China, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Thailand. Most of these items are sold on online platforms, making them easily accessible to unsuspecting consumers.
Products from China
Seven products from China were identified:
- BL Vterly Day & Night Cream
- Feique 2 in 1 Lemon Whitening Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream Set
- Feique Cucumber Whitening & Freckle-Eliminating Cream
- Feique Green Tea Whitening Nourishing Anti-Freckle Set
- Feique Herbal Extract Whitening Freckle Removing Cream
- Feique Snail Liquid Whitening Anti-Freckle Set
- Hua Shu Li Miracle Whitening & Anti-Freckle Set
Products from Thailand
The products from Thailand included:
- 88 Whitening Night Cream (two variants)
- Yanhee cream (five variants)
- Wuttisak (two variants)
- Lady Gold Seaweed/Gluta Super Gluta Brightening
- Meyyong Seaweeds Super Whitening
- Polla Gold Super White Perfects
- Pumepine Total White Underarm Cream
- Q-nic Care Whitening Night Cream
- Q-nic Care Underarm Whitening Cream
- Snow White Armpit Whitening Underarm Cream
Products from Indonesia
Four products from Indonesia were flagged:
- Gold Super Quality +SPF30
- Fair & Lovely Day & Night Cream
- La Bella Day Cream
- La Bella Night Cream
Products from Pakistan
Eight products from Pakistan were also identified:
- Aima Gold Beauty Cream
- Armena Gold Beauty Cream
- Faiza Beauty Cream
- Goree Gold 24K Beauty Cream
- Pure Pearl Beauty Cream
- Sandal Beauty Cream
- Zartaaj Beauty Cream
Zoya Gold Beauty Cream
Consumer Warning and Call for Action
EcoWaste Coalition is urging consumers to avoid purchasing these products, especially from online platforms where regulation is weaker. They have also called on regulatory bodies to intensify efforts in monitoring and banning harmful cosmetics containing mercury.
Additionally, the coalition emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about the dangers of mercury-laced products. Consumers are encouraged to read product labels carefully and purchase only from reputable sources.
Final Thoughts
The findings of this investigation serve as a crucial reminder of the potential dangers lurking in unregulated cosmetics. Mercury poisoning is a serious issue with long-term health consequences. By staying informed and cautious, consumers can protect themselves and their loved ones from these toxic products.
Have you ever unknowingly purchased a harmful product? How did you handle it? Share your experience in the comments!
This article is based on insights by Inquirer.Net. All rights reserved.
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