Study Finds A Kidney Problem And Even Kidney Failure May Result From Certain Skin Care Creams And Lotions
A possibly-fatal kidney problem or other organ damage may result from using certain imported skin bleaching creams, according to a recent investigation published in the Chicago Tribune newspaper.
The Tribune examined approximately fifty skin bleaching products and found that some contained what the newspaper called “toxic” levels of mercury. The results appeared May 18, 2010.
The products are supposed to lighten age spots and freckles
Mercury can be hazardous because it can cause big trouble for a variety of organs including the heart and lungs. Kidney problems, possibly leading to failing kidneys, are among the the most prominent dangers.
In the event of kidney failure, the prognosis can be grim. The only options for saving your life include kidney transplant operation or dialysis.
Excessive levels of mercury can enter the body after being placed on the skin. The degree of danger varies depending on an individual’s body weight and a variety of other factors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers more than one gram of mercury per kilogram (2.2 pounds) to be excessive. Amounts above the maximum can cause life-threatening conditions. Small amounts can build up over an extended period of time, creating long term problems.
Mercury can trigger eye problems, blurry vision and trouble walking. It can shut down organs, and in certain cases, result in death. Mercury can be especially dangerous for the unborn babies of pregnant women, infants and toddlers.
Mercury has not been legal for use in skin creams and lotions since 1990 when it was banned by the Food and Drug Administration. The Tribune’s investigation found that products are readily available nonetheless. The FDA told the Tribune that it has less than 500 inspectors who can check imported products, making it possible for some dangerous brands to avoid testing .
About 50 skin lightening lotions were sent to to an independent lab for testing. 6 included levels of mercury that exceeded legal limits in the U.S. Five out of six had levels of 6,000 parts per million of mercury, which is high enough to cause kidney damage .
The products were imported to the U.S. from Lebanon, China, India, Pakistan and Taiwan
One Chicago dermatologist, Dr. Jonith Breadon, admitted to being “shocked and speechless” that products with such high mercury content in them are so readily available.
Stores which had the products in stock and promised to remove them. Two companies who were distributing the products say they will discontinue them.
Skin lighteners have become big sellers in the United States in recent years. Sales have been especially good among certain ethnic groups. Sales are expected to pass 75 million annually by 2015.
Among the other lotions and creams tested during the investigation, the highest levels of mercury were found in a product called Stillman’s Skin Bleach Cream. Other products identified by the Tribune wereTop-Gel MCA Extra Pearl Cream, Creme Diana CTR, Ling Ji Su, Lulanjina, and Shabright Clear and Bright Skin Formula.
Some common skin care products tested by the Tribune contained no mercury at all.
Read more about these kidney problems and others by visiting http://www.kidney-problem.org.
Several doctors who spoke to Tribune reporters said that anyone who wants a safe skin lightening product can get one by prescription. They also stressed that such creams be used only for lightening freckles and age spots, not for bleaching normally dark skin.
Lern more about other kidney problems and related topics by visiting http://www.kidney-problem.org.
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