Scary news if you use any kind of skin-care products: The California Department of Public Health released a public health alert last week after multiple cases of inorganic mercury poisoning were linked to skin creams purchased in Mexico. According to the health alert, several women and children (including a 20-month-old baby) were exposed to mercury contained in creams designed to to lighten the skin, fade freckles and age spots, and even treat acne. Some of these creams contained up to a staggering 200,000 times the legal amount of mercury in the United States. Several other states, including Minnesota and Maryland, have issued similar warnings after recent cases of mercury poisoning from skin creams were reported, as well.
What makes mercury poisoning from beauty products so scary? Many of the symptoms are non-specific and difficult to identify. They can include irritability, depression, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, numbness and tingling in the extremities, and tremors. According to the FDA, exposure to mercury can have serious health consequences, including damage to the kidneys and nervous system—and it can impact the brain development of young children. Even worse, if these products are used over time, the mercury in them can be slowly released as airborne mercury vapor, which can contaminate entire households and affect children and family members—even if they've never used the contaminated product themselves. Some of the babies affected were exposed to mercury during breastfeeding. Horrifying!