Public warned against unsafe cosmetic cream

28 Jan 2010

The Department of Health today (January 28) called on members of the public not to use a facial cream called "UV Whitening" following a case of mercury poisoning reported by the Hospital Authority.

A 43-year-old woman who used the product twice daily for two months developed fatigue and lower limb swelling. She was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on January 3 and discharged on January 13.

Laboratory result showed that the level of mercury in the cream was 19,412 times the acceptable level.

The source of the product is still under investigation.

The case has been referred to the Customs and Excise Department for follow-up.

A spokesman for the department urged members of the public who had been using the cosmetic cream to stop using it immediately and seek advice from their doctors as soon as possible.

He said mercury poisoning was caused by mercury overdose in the body, causing damage mainly to the nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms may include tremors, irritability, insomnia, memory deterioration, difficulty with concentration, impaired hearing and vision or change in taste. In most severe cases, renal failure may occur.