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FDA issues warning for skin products containing mercury
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The FDA has warned consumers that skin creams, beauty and antiseptic soaps, or lotions that may contain mercury have been found illegally in the US, according to a recent press release.
Skin lighteners, anti-aging treatments and acne medications have been implicated in the warning. Products to remove age spots, freckles, blemishes and wrinkles are also included.
The FDA noted that the products are manufactured abroad and sold illegally in the US. Shops in Latino, Asian, African or Middle Eastern neighborhoods have been found to sell the products. They have also been brought into the country for personal use, and many of the products can be purchased online.
Mercury may damage kidneys or the nervous system in otherwise healthy adults or adolescents, and it may also interfere with the development of unborn or very young children. The toxic effects of mercury can be transmitted simply through physical contact with a person using the product, or through vapors in the air, according to health officials.
Consumers are encouraged to check the label of their skin care products for the following terms: mercurous chloride, calomel, mercuric, mercurio or mercury. If any of those words are found, or if the label contains no label or ingredients, use of the product should be discontinued. Products with labels in languages other than English should also not be used.
Consumers are reminded that disposal of hazardous waste requires special procedures, and that they should contact a health care professional or poison center for instructions.
Recent FDA investigations have turned up more than 35 products with dangerous levels of mercury that have been linked to poisoning incidents in California, Maryland, Minnesota, New York and Texas.