Experts warn of toxic levels of mercury in some beauty creams
EL PASO, Texas -- A woman in Minnesota recently lost her peripheral vision after using beauty creams that promised skin-whitening results. The Minnesota Poison Control System says her family was also put at risk.
Dr. Sarah Watkins, Medical Director of the West Texas Regional Poison Center, says toxic levels of mercury are to blame for the woman's partial blindness. Watkins says inorganic mercury can detrimentally impact our nervous systems and kidneys.
Watkins says creams produced in the U.S. are regulated and can generally be trusted to stay within the approved mercury levels. Foreign products, however, pose a real risk.
Mercury is a common ingredient in skin whitening products, as it blocks melanin, which creates skin pigment.
Watkins has heard of multiple cases of mercury toxicity connected with beauty products, most promising to lighten the skin.
Still, it can be difficult to choose which product to use, as information is not always available. Watkins says many product labels do not list mercury.
Looking at what is being sold online, we found that out of 30 products, only two listed a country of origin. Just one product mentioned mercury, claiming to be 'Mercury Free.'
Despite this, the European Environmental Bureau found that more than 50% of products available online this year contain harmful levels of mercury.
Laura Rayborn, the owner of Foliage Salon and Day Spa in El Paso, says consumers should always check for FDA approval and read the ingredient list before using a product.
Mercury can also leak into the bodies of people living with the users of these products. Something as simple as using the washing machine and preparing food can spread mercury from one person to another.
Symptoms of mercury toxicity can vary. Watkins says people report feeling numbness, tingling in the arms and legs, and muscle weakness.
If you are unsure if the products you use are safe, Watkins suggests calling the poison center at 1-800-222-1222. A bilingual representative can help 24/7.
If you still are not sure, both Watkins and Rayborn say the best thing to do is to throw away the product.
