By Analou De Vera
Caused-oriented group EcoWaste Coalition has warned the public against the use of cosmetic products laden with mercury.
The group warned consumers that some of the adverse effects by using mercury-laden cosmetics include kidney damage, skin rashes, skin discoloration and scarring. It may also lead to anxiety, depression or psychosis and peripheral neuropathy.
Recently, the group found that cosmetics with mercury were being sold in Cogon, Cagayan De Oro City.
The group said they bought 18 pieces of banned Collagen Plus Vit E, Erna, JJJ, Jiaoli, S’Zitang and Xinjiaoli skin whitening creams, costing P80 to P300 each.
"All 18 products, illegally imported from China and Indonesia, were found contaminated with mercury above the allowable limit of 1 ppm (parts per million). Collagen Plus Vit E had the highest concentration of mercury at 6,020 ppm," said the group.
To protect consumers, the group wrote to health authorities to take immediate action to stop the sale of such products in the area.
“We urge your office to conduct rapid postmarket surveillance in CDO and other major cities in Northern Mindanao and to prosecute the violators to the full extent of the law, including padlocking stores caught in flagrante delicto (a Latin phrase meaning in the very act of committing an offense),” part of the letter wrote by the group.