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The Department of Health (DH) today (October 22) called on members of the public to stop using a beauty product called Huama ABC following a laboratory report showing a raised mercury level in the products affecting a 41-year-old woman.
The patient sought medical treatment from a private doctor for malaise in September. She was found to have high level of mercury in her blood and was referred to Tuen Mun Hospital on October 6 for further examination.
The woman claimed that she had used a set of cosmetic products Huama ABC containing day creams, night cream and facial cleanser for about one month during this summer. Two of the product remnants, Huama Day Cream-B and Huama Night Cream obtained from her for laboratory testing, were found to contain high levels of mercury by the Government Laboratory.
DH has referred the case to the Customs and Excise Department for follow-up actions. According to preliminary investigation by the Customs and Excise Department, these products were not found In the Hong Kong market.
A DH spokesman said mercury poisoning is caused by overdose of mercury in the body, causing damage mainly to the nervous systems and kidney. Symptoms may include tremor, irritability, insomnia, memory deterioration, difficulty with concentrating, impaired hearing and vision or change in taste. In most severe cases, renal failure may occur.
"Members of the public who have been using the cosmetic cream concerned should stop using it immediately and seek advice from their doctors as soon as possible," he added.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government web page:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200710/22/P200710220223.htm