Fact sheet for the general public
Choose Health, Avoid Skin Lightening Products (PDF)
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Recent tests in Minnesota show that some skin lightening products have dangerous levels of mercury. Being exposed to the mercury in these products could cause serious health problems.
Background
In May 2011 the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) tested a random sample of skin lightening products and found that some of them contain mercury at levels much higher than what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows in cosmetic products.
The FDA allows cosmetic products to contain only trace amounts of mercury (one part per million). The products MDH tested ranged from 135 to 33,000 parts per million.
Being exposed to mercury from these products could cause serious health problems.
Skin lightening products (also called skin brightening or fade products) are used by both dark and light-skinned individuals to lighten skin tone, fade freckles, or get rid of age spots. These products can be purchased in a broad range of stores across Minnesota including those serving African, Asian, Middle Eastern and Latino communities.
Should I be concerned?
People who use skin products containing mercury have been found to have elevated mercury levels in their hair, blood, and urine. Mercury can damage the kidneys, affect the nervous system, or cause pain or rashes.
Pregnant women and women of child-bearing age should avoid exposure to mercury. Unborn babies, infants, and children are very sensitive to mercury.
Even when pregnant women do not show symptoms of mercury exposure, it can affect their unborn children.
How do I know if a product contains mercury?
- Check the label. If it does not list the ingredients of the product, stop using it.
- If the label says the product has mercury in it (also known as “calomel,” “mercuric,” “mercurous,” or “mercurio”), stop using it.
What should I do?
- If you have been using a product that may have mercury in it, stop using it now. Your body will naturally get rid of the mercury over time.
- Do not throw the product in the trash. If it has mercury in it, it can harm others if it gets into the environment.
- Take the product to a household hazardous waste site. You can find the nearest site in the phone book or on the website of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
For more information
If you have questions, call the Minnesota Poison Control Center, 1-800-222-1222. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it offers language interpretation services.
To see photos of products that were found to contain mercury, visit Skin Lightening Products Found to Contain Mercury.
As an expert with a demonstrable understanding of public health, particularly in the context of harmful substances in consumer products, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of the recent findings in Minnesota regarding skin lightening products containing dangerous levels of mercury. My expertise lies in analyzing and communicating health-related risks to the general public.
The evidence presented in the provided article is concerning and aligns with existing knowledge on the health hazards associated with mercury exposure. The Minnesota Department of Health's (MDH) comprehensive testing in May 2011 is a critical piece of evidence. The random sample testing of skin lightening products revealed mercury levels significantly surpassing the limits set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While the FDA permits only trace amounts of mercury (one part per million) in cosmetic products, the products tested in Minnesota ranged from 135 to a staggering 33,000 parts per million. This stark contrast raises alarming concerns about the potential health risks faced by individuals using these products.
The background information establishes the timeline and context of the MDH's investigation. It's crucial to highlight that skin lightening products are widely used by diverse communities, including African, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latino populations in Minnesota. This underscores the broad impact of the issue, affecting individuals across different ethnicities and backgrounds.
The potential health consequences associated with mercury exposure, as outlined in the article, further strengthen the urgency of addressing this public health concern. Mercury, when absorbed through the skin, can lead to elevated levels in hair, blood, and urine. The article rightly emphasizes the adverse effects on the kidneys, nervous system, and the potential for pain or rashes. Pregnant women and those of child-bearing age are particularly vulnerable, as mercury exposure can have serious implications for unborn babies, infants, and children, who are known to be highly sensitive to mercury.
The guidance provided on how to identify products containing mercury is practical and actionable. Checking product labels for ingredients is a simple yet effective measure. If a product does not list its ingredients, users are advised to discontinue its use immediately. The article also educates readers on specific terms associated with mercury, such as "calomel," "mercuric," "mercurous," or "mercurio," which are crucial for identifying these harmful substances.
The recommended course of action for individuals who may have used such products is clear and emphasizes responsible disposal. Stopping the use of the product is the first step, followed by proper disposal at household hazardous waste sites to prevent environmental contamination. This aligns with established protocols for managing products containing hazardous materials.
To conclude, the provided information underscores the significance of the issue, providing a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with mercury-containing skin lightening products. The advice given in the article is practical, urging individuals to take immediate action to safeguard their health and the environment. If individuals have further questions or concerns, the contact information for the Minnesota Poison Control Center is provided as a valuable resource for additional guidance and support.
