The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 8) appealed to members of the public not to use a whitening cream product as it may contain excessive mercury, which is harmful to one's health.
The CHP received a notification of a mercury poisoning case from the Hospital Authority involving a female patient, aged 43. The patient was found to have proteinuria (presence of excess proteins in urine) after admission to the hospital. She reported using two whitening cream products. Her urine and blood samples revealed mercury levels higher than the respective reference levels, which were clinically suspected to be related to the use of the above products. The patient is still hospitalised and is in stable condition.
Testing by the Government Laboratory of one of the products labelled "Goree Beauty Cream" (see photo) revealed that the product contains excessive mercury. According to information provided by the patient, she has been using this product for several weeks. The case has been referred to the relevant law enforcement agency for follow-up. An investigation is still ongoing.
"Chronic exposure to mercury can cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms may include tremors, irritability, insomnia, memory deterioration, concentration difficulty, impaired hearing and vision, and a change in the taste function. In severe cases, renal failure may occur," a spokesman for the CHP said.
The spokesman strongly urged people who are using this product to stop using it immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals as soon as possible if they feel unwell or are in doubt.
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