Ancient Egyptians used copper-based eyeliner and ancient Greeks used face cream with lead in it, so why not add a dash of mercury to your own cosmetics?
A 32-year-old woman was admitted into the emergency ward at Queen Mary Hospital on Jan. 4 after she experienced swelling in her legs, which is suspected to have been caused by mercury poisoning.
She was discharged two days later in stable condition.
The Department of Health believes her mercury poisoning was caused by the regular use of three cosmetic creams, two of which only have Chinese names and one of which is called “Zixinmei Night-Cream”.
The creams had over 1,000, 3,000 and 10,000 (!) times the acceptable level of mercury.
“Chronic exposure to mercury can cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys,” said a Centre for Health Protection spokesman.
“Symptoms include tremors, irritability, insomnia, deterioration of memory, difficulty in concentration, impaired hearing and vision, and change in the ability to taste. In the most severe cases, renal failure may occur.”
Here’s a tip: be a discerning customer when buying stuff you’re going to put on your face, because having moisturised skin isn’t worth ruining your kidneys.
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