US warns consumers of mercury-based illegal cosmetics

The US Government has warned consumers that the use of illegally imported cosmetics may result in exposure to high levels of mercury that could lead to severe illness.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued the warning as many consumers in seven states were diagnosed with mercury poisoning.
After identifying large number of products comprising high levels of mercury, the agency has taken measures to deny such shipments into the US.

However, many cosmetics products are illegally brought into the country via mail and international travellers which are offered in stores catering to US immigrants.

FDA spokesperson Gloria Sanchez-Contreras said that the exposure to mercury can damage kidneys and nervous system, besides also interfering with the brain development of unborn babies and very young children.

According to the regulator, the purchase of these products puts individuals, including babies at high health risk, as there is a increased possibility that young children could be exposed to vapours while breathing or alternately by coming into contact with someone who has used the cosmetic product.

The agency prohibits the use of mercury in skin lotions and cosmetic soaps manufactured outside the country and therefore has requested citizens to avoid products that do not clearly list ingredients on labels and also those that have ingredients such as mercurous chloride, calomel, mercuric or mercury on their labels.

FDA also asked the consumers to keep away from products that have labels in other languages unless they include a clear description in English.