Re :[mercury-in-cosmetics] [Product GMP partners] Chemical Network Newsletter June 2024: and UCT discussion on Mercury in Skin-Lightening Products
Bartho Bationo
Le mar., juin 11, 2024 à 9:57, Elena Lymberidi<elena.l...@eeb.org> a écrit:--FYI- I would like to bring to your attention the Chemical Discussion that will be taking place on Mercury in Skin Lightening Products , organised by the University of Cape Town.
See below and attached
Best regards
Elena
Elena Lymberidi-Settimo
Policy Manager Zero Mercury Campaign, European Environmental BureauInternational Co-coordinator Zero Mercury Working Group
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Dear Chemical Network members,
MERCURY IN SKIN-LIGHTENING PRODUCTS
In the previous issue of the Chemical Network newsletter, health problems posed by chemicals in plastics were discussed. Myriad chemicals found in everyday products, including frequently used cosmetic products can be harmful to health. This issue of the CN newsletter will examine how mercury in skin-lightening products is a major global problem for human health.
Mercury in Skin-Lightening Products
The highly prevalent use of skin-lightening creams, also known as skin-whitening or skin-bleaching creams, contributes to a significant public health burden (iAHO & WHO 2023, Bastiansz 2022, Araojo et al. 2023). Whilst these creams can form part of the medical management of skin pigmentation disorders, they are also used for cosmetic purposes and can contain harmful chemicals including mercury, arsenic, and hydroquinone. During the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties, the Minamata Convention on Mercury parties determined that as of 2025, no mercury will be allowed in skin-lightening creams. Despite this and already being regulated or banned by several countries, mercury continues to be found in easily available skin-lightening products around the world at levels higher than permissible or considered safe (Michalek et al. 2019, Bastiansz 2022, Juliano 2022, WHO 2023). This impacts millions of people around the world who use these products.
Melanin is a compound which creates pigmentation (skin or hair colour). Mercury is an additive in skin-lightening creams as it blocks a melanin-producing enzyme in exposed cells, thus lightening the colour of the skin (Juliano 2022). Use of mercury-containing creams leads to mercury exposure, as mercury can be absorbed by the skin, creating levels of mercury that are above safe limits (Araojo et al. 2023, Juliano 2022), sometimes 100 times higher than the Minamata Convention on Mercury limit of 1mg/1kg (1ppm) (WHO 2023). Mercury vapours from these creams can also contaminate the air in homes (Copan et al. 2015, Chan 2011). Contacts of users can also be exposed through dermal contact and through breastmilk, and food chains can be contaminated through wastewater (WHO 2023). Mercury poisoning from the use of skin-lightening creams (and contacts of those who use it) has been well-documented, with great impact on kidneys, and harm to multiple other organs including the nervous system, skin, and the gut (Chan 2011, iAHO & WHO 2023).
People of colour are particularly vulnerable to these effects due to colourism and cultural perceptions of beauty resulting in the practice of skin-lightening (Juliano 2022, Papadavid & Giannopoulos, 2023, Michalek et al. 2019, iAHO & WHO 2023). Prevalence of skin-lightening practices varies regionally, e.g. in sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated to be between 25% and 77% (Dlova et al. 2015, iAHO & WHO 2023), and in eastern and southern Asia, 9% and 83% (Peltzer et al. 2016). Consumers in low-income countries are at particular risk of harm from skin-lightening products (Michalek et al. 2019). Research has shown a concerning lack of awareness of the harms of skin-lightening creams amongst the majority of users (Yayehrad 2023, Araojo et al. 2023, iAHO & WHO 2023). Low literacy and education levels also contribute to the vulnerability of users and potential users, as they may not be able to make fully informed choices when considering purchasing products (Michalek et al. 2019).
Regulatory problems include illegal or adulterated products being easily available especially on unregulated online platforms, a lack of education and awareness amongst users, and countries without suitable regulation or capacity to enforce these (Michalek et al. 2019, iAHO & WHO 2023). The demand for these products continues to be high despite the potential health impacts, thus policy needs to include an increase in education and awareness-raising (Araojo et al. 2023), strengthened regulations (iAHO & WHO 2023, WHO 2023), and global uniformity in regulations (Michalek et al. 2019).
To learn more about mercury in skin-lightening products and the regulation and interventions in combating this issue, join the UCT Chemical Network discussion on Thursday, the 13th of June 2024 at 14:00 – 15:30 GMT +2/SAST. The discussion will be presented by Ntseke Makutoane of the University of Cape Town, and Michael Bender and Elena Lymberidi of the Mercury Policy Project. Click here to pre-register!
UPCOMING ONLINE DISCUSSION
Past Discussion
The UCT Chemical Network held a discussion on the 28th of March 2024 on Chemicals in Plastics (view the the PowerPoint presentation, discussion recording, and digest).
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Bartho Bationo
Le mar., juin 11, 2024 à 13:03, Elena Lymberidi<elena.l...@eeb.org> a écrit:Bonjour Barthelemy,
Voila le lien
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-DTX8l7sRi-PigxZxSQnpg#/registration
merci pour votre projet de feuille de route, je vais le regarder!
Bien a vous!
Elena
Elena Lymberidi-Settimo
Policy Manager Zero Mercury Campaign, European Environmental Bureau
International Co-cordinator Zero Mercury Working Group
To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mercury-in-cosmetics/975351174.7315748.1718109081160%40mail.yahoo.com.
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