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Public urged not to use unsafe cosmetic cream

  • 2014.03.21
The Department of Health (DH) today (March 21) appealed to members of the public not to buy or use a Collagen Night Cream as it may contain excessive mercury, which is dangerous to health.

The appeal followed the DH's receipt of notification of a case of mercury poisoning from the Hospital Authority (HA) affecting a female patient aged 37. The DH commenced an investigation immediately.

The patient attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) on March 5 for facial skin rash for several weeks. She was admitted to PWH on the same day for further management. She described a history of use of the above product for about one and a half years. The facial skin rash was clinically suspected to be related to the use of the above product. She was discharged after treatment on March 10.

The HA's laboratory results reported today showed that the mercury level in the patient's urine sample was elevated. The product sample submitted by the patient to the HA for testing showed that the mercury content of the product sample was 16 321 times the acceptable level. The patient claimed that the product was purchased from a retail shop in Tsuen Wan. The case has been referred to the Customs and Excise Department for follow-up investigation.

"Chronic exposure to mercury can cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms may include tremors, irritability, insomnia, deterioration of memory, difficulty in concentration, impaired hearing and vision, and change in the ability to taste. In severe cases, renal failure may occur," a spokesman for the DH explained.

"As the content of mercury in the product is as high as 16 321 times the acceptable level, use of the product may cause severe side-effects. People who are using the above product should stop using it immediately and consult health-care professionals as soon as possible if they feel unwell or are in doubt. Members of the public are also urged not to buy or use cosmetic cream of unknown composition or from doubtful sources," the spokesman said.
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