Public warned about unsafe cosmetic cream (March 16, 2012)
The
Department of Health (DH) today (March 16) appealed to members of
the public not to buy or consume a cosmetic product called "Super
9.9.9 Natural Vit. E, C", as it may contain excessive mercury that
is dangerous to health.
The appeal followed the DH's receipt of
notification of a suspected mercury poisoning case from the
Hospital Authority (HA) involving a 57-year-old female patient. The
DH commenced the investigation immediately.
"The patient was admitted to Our Lady of
Maryknoll Hospital on February 7 because of swelling of lower
limbs. She described a history of persistent use of the above
product for the past three months. Mercury poisoning was clinically
suspected. She recovered after treatment and was discharged from
hospital on February 17.
"The HA's laboratory test on the two
product samples submitted by the patient showed that the levels of
mercury were 12,758 and 13,868 times that of the acceptable level.
Investigation revealed that the product was brought by a friend of
the patient from Malaysia," a DH spokesman said.
"Chronic exposure to mercury can cause
damage mainly to the nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms may
include tremors, irritability, insomnia, memory deterioration,
difficulty in concentrating, impaired hearing and vision, and
change in taste. In the most severe cases, renal failure may
occur," the spokesman explained.
"As the product may cause serious side
effects, people who have used the above product should stop using
it immediately and consult healthcare professionals as soon as
possible if they feel unwell or are in doubt.
"Members of the public are urged not to buy
or consume cosmetic products of unknown composition or from
doubtful sources as the consequences can be serious. They should
consult healthcare professionals whenever they feel unwell or are
in doubt after using suspicious products," the spokesman
added.
(Reprinted from HKSAR Government web
page
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201203/16/P201203160490.htm
)
