Study Discovers Certain Skin Lightening Brands Can Cause Kidney Problems
A life-threatening kidney problem and other organ damage may result from using certain imported skin bleaching products, according to a recent story published in the Chicago Tribune newspaper.
The Tribune did an independent investigation of more than 4 dozen skin bleaching products and discovered that some contained what the newspaper called “toxic” amounts of mercury. The results appeared in a recent edition.
The products are supposed to lighten age spots and freckles
Mercury is dangerous because it can cause big trouble for a variety of organs including the heart, lungs and kidneys. Kidney problems, possibly leading to failing kidneys, are one of the most serious threats.
When kidney failure takes place, the prognosis can be grim. The only options for saving your life include kidney transplant or kidney dialysis.
Excessive mercury levels can enter the bloodstream after being spread on the skin. The degree of danger varies depending on the individual’s BMI or Body Mass Index and a variety of other factors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers more than one gram of mercury per kilogram (2.2 pounds) to be excessive. Doses in excess of the maximum can cause life-threatening disorders. Small amounts can accumulate over the course of months or even years, creating long term ill-effects.
Mercury can result in eye problems, blurred vision and trouble walking. It can cause organs to malfunction, and in extreme cases, be fatal. Mercury can be especially dangerous for the fetuses of pregnant women, infants and small children.
Mercury has been prohibited for use in skin lightening products since 1990 when it was banned by the FDA. The Tribune’s investigation discovered that products are readily available nonetheless. The FDA told the Tribune that it has a staff of less than 500 inspectors who can review imported product information, making it possible for some dangerous brands to avoid testing .
50 skin lightening creams were sent to to an independent laboratory for testing. Half a dozen were found to include mercury levels that were higher than legal limits in the U.S. Five of the six had levels of 6,000 parts per million of mercury, which is sufficient to cause kidney damage .
The products were imported to the U.S. from Lebanon, China, India, Pakistan and Taiwan
One Chicago dermatologist, Dr. Jonith Breadon, said he was “shocked and speechless” that products with so much mercury in them are so readily available.
Stores which had the products in stock and promised to remove them. Two companies who were distributing the products say they will discontinue them.
Skin lighteners have become extremely popular in the U.S. recently. Sales have been especially good among certain ethnic groups. Sales are expected to exceed 75 million annually by 2015.
Among the other lotions and creams tested by the Tribune, the greatest levels of mercury were found in a product called Stillman’s Skin Bleach Cream. Other products includedTop-Gel MCA Extra Pearl Cream, Creme Diana CTR, Ling Ji Su, Lulanjina, and Shabright Clear and Bright Skin Formula.
Many popular skin lightening products tested by the Tribune did not include mercury at all.
Read more about these kidney problems and others by visiting http://www.kidney-problem.org.
A number of doctors who were contacted by the Tribune said that anyone who wants a safe skin lightening product can get one by prescription. They also pointed out that such products be used only for lightening spots and freckles, not to bleach skin that is naturally dark.
Lern more about other kidney problems and related topics by visiting http://www.kidney-problem.org.
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