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The Department of Health (DH) today (November 21) appealed to members of the public not to buy or use a cosmetic cream, Yi Qi bai li tou hong, as it may contain excessive mercury, which is dangerous to health.
The appeal followed the DH's receipt of notification from a private doctor following a case of elevated blood mercury level involving a female patient aged 56, and a laboratory test result on the product sample released today. The DH commenced an investigation immediately.
The patient described a history of use of the above product for about six months. In October, she was in doubt about the information printed on the product's packing and was worried that the quality of the product might lead to adverse health effects. She then sought advice from the doctor in late October. The patient's blood mercury level was found to be elevated and was clinically suspected to be related to the use of the above product. The patient did not present with symptoms of mercury poisoning and did not require hospitalisation.
The patient subsequently submitted the product sample to the Government Laboratory for testing, and the results today showed that the mercury content of the product sample was 21,000 times the acceptable level. The patient claimed that the product was purchased by a relative in the Mainland, but the exact source is yet to ascertain. The case has been referred to the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department for follow-up investigation.
"Chronic exposure to mercury can cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms may include tremors, irritability, insomnia, deterioration of memory, difficulty in concentration, impaired hearing and vision, and change in the ability to taste. In severe cases, renal failure may occur," a spokesman for the DH explained.
"As the content of mercury in the product is as high as 21,000 times the acceptable level, use of the product may cause severe side-effects. People who are using the above product should stop immediately and consult healthcare professionals as soon as possible if they feel unwell or are in doubt. Members of the public are also urged not to buy or use cosmetic cream of unknown composition or from doubtful sources," the spokesman urged.
Ends/Thursday, November 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:15
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