January 10, 2002
As at 9 pm yesterday (January 9), the Department of Health (DH) made arrangements for mercury screening on 145 women who had reportedly applied the "YOUDI" beauty cream.
The Consultant (Community Medicine) of DH, Dr Thomas Tsang said: "Twenty-four of the women were referred to specialist out-patient clinics for further management."
"Two other women, aged 28 and 22, were referred and admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital and United Christian Hospital respectively for further investigation. The two are in stable condition."
"They were among the 663 persons who called the special DH Hotline 2961 8968 which started operation last Friday (January 4)."
Starting today (January 10), the Hotline will be manned by health care professionals between 9 am and 5 pm daily and telephone recording will be available during the remaining hours of the day.
Investigations by DH and the Customs and Excise Department into a mercury poisoning case involving a female domestic helper showed samples of the product called "Youdi" had very high concentrations of mercury. Members of the public are reminded to immediately stop using the beauty cream.