Study Finds A Kidney Problem And Even Kidney Failure May Result From Certain Skin Lightening Brands
A serious kidney problem may result from using certain imported skin bleaching products, according to a recent investigation published in the Chicago Tribune newspaper.
The Tribune investigated approximately fifty skin bleaching creams and lotions and found that some contained what the newspaper called “toxic” amounts of mercury. The results were published in a recent edition.
The products are supposed to lighten age spots and freckles
Mercury must be used carefully on humans because it can cause damage to several organs including the brain, heart and lungs. Kidney problems, possibly including irreversible kidney failure, are among the the most prominent dangers.
When kidney failure takes place, treatment possibilities become limited. There are only two means of saving your life: these include kidney transplant or kidney dialysis.
Excessive levels of mercury can get into the bloodstream after being spread on the skin. The degree of danger varies depending on body weight and a number of other factors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers more than one gram of mercury per kilogram (2.2 pounds) to be excessive. Amounts in excess of the limit can put humans at risk for life-threatening disorders. Small doses can accumulate over an extended period of time, creating long term problems.
Mercury can trigger eye problems, blurred vision and trouble walking. It can cause major problems with organs, and in some cases, end in death. Mercury is especially dangerous for the fetuses of pregnant women, infants and small children.
Mercury has not been legal for use in skin lightening products since 1990 when it was banned by the Food and Drug Administration. The Tribune’s investigation revealed that products are readily available nonetheless. The FDA told the Tribune that it has fewer than 500 inspectors who can investigate imported products, making it possible for some products to slip through the regulatory cracks .
Approximately 50 skin cream samples were sent to to an independent lab for testing. 6 included levels of mercury 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 such high mercury content in them are so readily available.
Stores which had the creams and lotions on their shelves and promised to remove them. Two companies who were distributing the products say they will no longer do so.
Freckles and age spot lighteners have become big sellers in the United States in recent years. Sales have been especially good among certain ethnic groups. Sales are expected to be approximately 75 million annually by 2015.
Among the other skin lightening products tested by the Tribune, the greatest levels of mercury were found in a product called Stillman’s Skin Bleach Cream. Other products wereTop-Gel MCA Extra Pearl Cream, Creme Diana CTR, Ling Ji Su, Lulanjina, and Shabright Clear and Bright Skin Formula.
Some common skin care products tested by the Tribune did not contain 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 recommended that such creams be used only for lightening spots and freckles, not for bleaching skin that is normally dark.
Lern more about other kidney problems and related topics by visiting http://www.kidney-problem.org.