Medsafe is warning the public about mercury and lead in skin whitening (also known as lightening) creams after a case of possible mercury poisoning was reported in the Upper North Island.
The sample of the product used by the patient was tested and found to have 24900 parts per million of mercury. Two other brands of similar products that were tested were also found to contain high levels of mercury and of lead, as did a second sample of the original product tested.
This is in breach of international conventions limiting mercury in cosmetic products to 1 part per million.
Medsafe cautions that anyone purchasing similar products either here or from the internet should take particular care as the presence of mercury is often not disclosed, as is the case with this product, but it is often included as an added ingredient.
The Director-General issued a qualified privileged statement which is published on the Medsafe website and has been issued with the support of the Ministry for the Environment:
Background
What are the signs and symptoms of mercury poisoning?
Mercury is a dangerous chemical and although naturally present in the environment, it is rare. The signs and symptoms of mercury poisoning vary widely depending on the route of absorption and period of exposure but include toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, and on the lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes. It can also affect the development of unborn babies.
