Recent random checks on 50 cosmetic products advertised to whiten skin revealed that a large number contained mercury, a harmful element banned from the industry due to its proven ability to cause health problems.
A dozen of the 50 products tested in a government lab, which included lotions and makeup, found the presence of mercury, which can damage kidneys, nervous and respiratory systems from exposure over time.
READ: Beyond the Pale: The dangers of Thailand’s obsession with white skin
Public Health Ministry department director-general Dr. Sukhum Kanchanapimai, announced that the cosmetics had mercury weight levels ranging from 0.035–3.959 percent, reported Thai PBS.
Mercury has long been banned from use in all cosmetics in Thailand due to its proven correlation to myriad illnesses. Repeated exposure, via absorption or inhalation, allows the element to accumulate in the body and cause liver and kidney troubles, anemia, urinary tract infection, tremors, and emotional changes that can include mood swings, irritability, nervousness, and an inability to interact with others.
Dr. Sukhum warned buyers of whitening cosmetic products to buy from trusted brands and to be especially wary of products sold online, where fakes flourish and often contain harmful chemicals.
In response of findings such as these, the government’s Medical Science Department created an app called Natang Tuanpai Sukhapap (Health Warning Window) to give consumers information on cosmetic ingredients. They also plan to further test cosmetics for harmful substances of all kinds.
