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The Department of Health (DH) today (December 23) appealed to members of the public not to buy or use a cosmetic cream (without English name, see photo) as it may contain excessive mercury, which is dangerous to health.
The appeal followed the DH's receipt of notification of a case of mercury poisoning from the Hospital Authority (HA) affecting a female patient aged 33. The DH commenced an investigation immediately.
The patient attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) on November 9 for swelling of lower limbs for several weeks. Her symptoms persisted and she was admitted to QMH on November 14 for further management. She described a history of use of the above product for about one month. The patient's blood and urine mercury levels were found to be elevated and this was clinically suspected to be related to the use of the above product. She was discharged after treatment on November 15.
The patient subsequently submitted the product sample to the HA's laboratory for testing, and the results today showed that the mercury content of the product sample was 35 028 times the acceptable level. The patient claimed that the product was purchased from a retail shop in North Point. 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 35 028 times the acceptable level, use of the product may cause severe side-effects. People who are using the above product should stop using it immediately and consult health-care 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 said.
Ends/Monday, December 23, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:25
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