Unveiling the Truth: Mercury in Your Skin Creams
Mercury is a liquid metallic element. It forms naturally through volcanic activity and the erosion of rocks but also pollutes the air from coal-burning power plants. It’s highly toxic to humans, and worryingly, it might be lurking in your skin cream.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new warning: certain beauty and skin care products, especially those imported from abroad, may have dangerous levels of mercury. These products often claim to reduce age spots, lighten skin, treat acne, or smooth the skin in other ways. The FDA has already found mercury-laden products in at least seven states and identified over 35 such products with high mercury levels in recent years.
**What are the Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning?**
Mercury poisoning can lead to mood swings, tremors, strange sensations, reduced cognitive ability, vision or hearing problems, skin rashes, and more. Young children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, as mercury severely affects brain development. Pregnant women using unverified skin creams or beauty products should stop immediately to protect their unborn child’s health.
**Is it Enough to Read the Ingredients?**
The FDA warns that many of these products don’t list mercury on their labels. Instead, they might include mercurial salts, listed as calomel, cinnabar, or mercury chloride. If you see any of these ingredients, stop using the product right away. However, a missing ingredient list does not guarantee the product is safe. Many countries lack strict labeling regulations, and these dangerous products often come from such places.
**What Can We Do?**
How can we avoid these risky products if we can’t identify them by their labels? The answer is straightforward: use products made in the United States or other developed countries with strict labeling laws. Avoid products without a clear ingredient list. Stick to well-known brands and shop from reputable stores that carefully select their offerings.
**What if I Already Used a Product That Contains Mercury?**
If you think your beauty products might contain mercury, seal them in a plastic bag and contact your local health department immediately. Do not throw the product in the trash, as this can lead to mercury contaminating the environment.
