Mercury found in some skin-whitening cosmetics: Study

Beijing-based environmental protection organization Green Beagle and global toxicity-awareness network IPEN have found that skin-whitening cosmetics in 10 Chinese cities contain high volumes of mercury.

The study has revealed that 23% of cosmetics contain high volumes of mercury, with most of the products being used by the low-income consumers, reported english.cri.cn.

The researchers came to the conclusion after testing a total of 477 whitening products and freckle removal cream sold in the domestic market.

,According to the study, the harmful chemical was present in volumes higher than the acceptable limits.

Beijing Chaoyang Hospital doctor Hao Fengtong said that the number of patients suffering from mercury poisoning has witnessed a hike in recent years.

"Cosmetic usage is a major cause of mercury poisoning in people’s lives. Roughly more than 80 percent of our patients who suffer from mercury poisoning are mainly due to cosmetics," Fengtong said.

The doctor said mercury poisoning can cause serious nerve problems and have the potential to damage kidneys, eventually causing death.

According to the Chinese legal professionals, based on the current consumer law it is unhelpful to punish the cosmetics manufacturer with relevant punishment.

Beijing Resident Business Law Research Association vice president Li Renyu said the government should improve the law to protect the rights of consumers.

"There is no specific stipulation concerning how to punish violators on cases related to cosmetics based on the current law. The only punishment clauses are from Food Security Law. For example, if the food is unsafe, then the punishment would be ten times the food’s price," said Renyu.