Hazardous Products: Mercury in Soaps and Creams
.Certain skin-lightening creams and medicated soaps can contain mercury. Soaps and creams containing mercury are banned in the United States, but may be available for purchase over the counter or on the Internet.
The mercury in these types of products can be absorbed through your skin. Mercury can damage the brain, nervous system and kidneys. It may also damage the skin, cause rashes and blotchy spots, and give skin a grayish color.
The longer and more often products containing mercury are used, the greater the health risk. These products can be especially harmful to children.
How to Identify Dangerous Soaps and Creams
Products may contain mercury, even if it is not listed as an ingredient on the label. Check packaging materials and any instructions or ingredient lists carefully. Look for:
“Hg” (the chemical symbol for mercury) or the word “mercury”
Mercuric iodide, mercuric chloride, mercurous chloride, ammoniated mercury, calomel, mercurio, amide chloride of mercury or mercury oxide
Instructions to avoid contact with silver, gold, rubber, aluminum and jewelry
Listed below are some skin-lightening creams and medicated soaps that have been found to contain high levels of mercury. Click on the warning sign links to print signs.
Published by: NYC Health