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Toxics Watchdog Group Pushes Compliance To The Ban On Mercury Use In Cosmetics

The Mercury Ban: A Long-Standing Campaign

The EcoWaste Coalition has been advocating for the enforcement of the ban on mercury use in cosmetics since 2011.

The Hidden Dangers of Mercury in Cosmetics

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that has been linked to various health problems, including neurological damage, birth defects, and even death. Its presence in cosmetics is a ticking time bomb, posing a significant threat to the health and well-being of consumers.

The Risks of Mercury in Cosmetics

  • Mercury is a known endocrine disruptor, which means it can interfere with the body’s hormonal system, leading to a range of health issues. Exposure to mercury can cause skin irritation, rashes, and scarring, as well as uneven skin color. Mercury is also a potent neurotoxin, which can lead to neurological damage, memory loss, and cognitive impairment. In severe cases, mercury poisoning can be fatal. ### The Problem with Mercury-Containing Cosmetics

    • The Problem with Mercury-Containing Cosmetics

    The use of mercury in cosmetics is a serious concern, as it can have devastating consequences for consumers. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of mercury-containing cosmetics being sold on online marketplaces such as Lazada and Shopee.

    The Dark Side of Beauty and Skincare

    The beauty and skincare industry has become a multi-billion dollar market, with many products touting miraculous benefits and quick fixes. However, beneath the surface of these products lies a darker reality.

    The efforts of the government and the civil society are obviously not enough to put a stop to the unlawful and unethical trade of mercury cosmetics, which poses serious risks to public health and the environment. For this reason, the EcoWaste Coalition repeated its call for a solutions-focused summit involving various stakeholders to end the scandalous proliferation of mercury-containing cosmetics in the marketplace. Last July, the EcoWaste Coalition wrote to FDA Director General Dr. Samuel Zacate to propose a multi-stakeholder summit led by the agency to solve, once and for all, the seemingly interminable trade of mercury cosmetics. The proposed summit will provide a platform for stakeholders from the government, industry, healthcare sector, media, civil society and other concerned sectors to forge an agreement towards a whole-of-society approach to stop the persistent trade of mercury cosmetics, and develop solutions and actions on various fronts to disable and bring an end to such an unlawful trade, the EcoWaste Coalition explained.

    The Dangers of Mercury Exposure

    Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can cause irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system. Prolonged exposure to mercury can lead to a range of health problems, including:

  • Neurological damage
  • Birth defects
  • Kidney damage
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Cognitive impairment

    • The Vulnerable Populations

    Pregnant women and children are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of mercury exposure. This is because their developing brains and nervous systems are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of mercury.

    This discharge is a major contributor to mercury pollution in rivers and lakes. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can cause severe damage to the nervous system, brain, and kidneys. Exposure to mercury can lead to a range of health problems, including neurological disorders, birth defects, and even death.

    The Mercury Problem in Cosmetics

    Sources of Mercury in Cosmetics

    Mercury is a common ingredient in many cosmetic products, including soaps, creams, and lotions. It is often used as a preservative to extend the shelf life of products. However, the use of mercury in cosmetics is a major contributor to mercury pollution in rivers and lakes. Mercury is released into the environment through wastewater discharge from cosmetic manufacturing facilities. Mercury is also released through the use of mercury-containing products, such as thermometers and fluorescent light bulbs.

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