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In the pursuit of fairer and brighter skin, the use of whitening creams has surged, especially those promoted aggressively on social media and e-commerce platforms. However, accourding to health experts, many of these products, which promise an instant glow, may contain harmful levels of mercury, posing serious risks. A recent study has highlighted the severe risks associated with skin whitening creams. The Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG) revealed that many of these creams contain mercury levels thousands of times higher than the legal limit, posing serious health risks. The study tested 31 skin whitening creams, finding that 25 contained mercury levels far exceeding the legal limit of 1 ppm. Particularly concerning are products from India, Pakistan, and Thailand, where tests by India’s Toxics Link organisation showed mercury levels ranging from 7,331 ppm to 27,431 ppm in 7 out of 8 tested creams. Such elevated levels can be lethal, causing extensive damage to the kidneys, liver and nervous system. These Creams Are Recording Strong Sales On Online Platforms Despite strict regulations in the US and Europe limiting the sale of such products, these creams are readily available in countries like India through uncontrolled online marketplaces. Since 2023, there have been numerous reports of kidney failure linked to the use of mercury-laden creams. For instance, in Maharashtra’s Akola district, three women from the same family experienced kidney damage due to these creams. How Mercury Affects The Body Dr. D.M. Mahajan, a Senior Dermatologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, explained that mercury is used in skin creams to inhibit melanin production, temporarily making the skin appear fairer. However, this leads to long-term damage, weakening the skin’s protective layer and causing redness, burning, itching, spots, tingling, and hair loss. The damage is often exacerbated when users stop applying the creams, resulting in worsened skin conditions. Both The Kidneys And Nervous System Face Serious Impact Mercury can inflict severe harm not just on the skin but on multiple organs throughout the body. Prolonged exposure has been linked to nephrotic syndrome, a condition in which the kidneys begin leaking excessive protein into the urine, eventually progressing to kidney failure. It may also trigger symptoms such as mouth ulcers, tremors, headaches, and varicose veins. When mercury-containing creams are applied, the toxin seeps through skin pores and enters the bloodstream, ultimately reaching the kidneys. In some cases, mercury can also enter the body through inhalation or accidental ingestion. Given that the average human skin covers about 1.73 square metres, it provides a wide surface through which this toxic metal can be absorbed, increasing the risk of serious health complications. How These Creams Can Be Avoided The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises consumers to be vigilant, warning that products listing ingredients such as Calomel, Cinnabaris, Hydrargyri oxydum rubrum, Quicksilver, Mercury, or Mercuric likely contain mercury. These products often advise users to avoid contact with gold, silver, or jewellery due to mercury’s damaging effects on metals. Consumers are urged to avoid purchasing such creams and consult a dermatologist before using any skincare product. It is advisable to choose products from reputable brands and exercise caution to protect one’s health.
