Mercury Toxicity due to Use of a Cosmetic Cream

Abstract

The Arizona Department of Health Services performed an investigation to determine the health effects associated with the use of a mercury-containing beauty cream. A urine test for mercury was offered to cream users who contacted the Arizona Department of Health Services. Those with urine mercury levels > 20 micrograms/L were offered clinical evaluation. Eighty-nine urine specimens were submitted for testing. Of these, 66 showed an elevated urine mercury level (> 20 micrograms/L), and 55 people were evaluated in clinic. There were no major abnormalities found through physical examination or laboratory testing. Urine mercury levels declined from an initial mean of 170 micrograms/L to 32 micrograms/L at the final test (mean, 139 days later). The high urine mercury levels indicate that the use of this cosmetic cream constitutes a significant exposure. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were frequently reported, but few objective signs were noted.

Mercury poisoning associated with a Mexican beauty cream

“…Although no major abnormalities were found, the urine mercury concentrations of former cream users declined over time from a median of 170 µg/L to 32 µg/L after an average of 139 days. 21 A New Mexico study also found median urine mercury concentrations among 25 users of the cream to be 4 times greater than among controls.…”

Endocrine disruptor & nutritional effects of heavy metals in ovarian hyperstimulation

“…Additionally, the general population is primarily exposed to mercury through diet and dental amalgam [21]. Some studies have reported women's use of skin-lightening creams and soaps [22,23] and its association with mercury exposure and this can be of significance for certain ethnic groups [24]. Exposure to metallic mercury alters oestrous cyclicity, but has no significant effect on ovulation, implantation or maintenance of first pregnancy during exposure of short duration in female rats [25].…”

Amelioration of mercury nephrotoxicity after pharmacological manipulation of organic anion transporter 1 (Oat1) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) with furosemide

“…Somehow, the entire population is exposed to some form of mercury primarily through drinking water, food or occupational exposure 1,2 . It has been reported that high levels of mercury exposure may occur via the use of skin lightening beauty creams, soaps and herbal drugs 3,4 . The toxic effects of mercury vary with the different chemical forms of mercury, the dose and the rate of exposure 2,5 .…”