********************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 2) appealed to members of the public not to buy or use three cosmetic cream products as they may contain excessive mercury, which is dangerous to health. While two of them only have Chinese names, the other is called Zixinmei Night-Cream.
The appeal followed the CHP's receipt of notification of a case of mercury poisoning from the Hospital Authority (HA) involving a female patient aged 32. The CHP commenced an investigation immediately.
The patient attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital on January 4 for swelling of lower limbs and was admitted for further management.
She described a recent history of use of the above three products for about five months before admission. Her urine sample revealed a mercury level higher than the reference range and she was suspected to have mercury poisoning. She was discharged on January 6 in stable condition.
Samples of the three products submitted by the patient tested and analysed by the HA showed that the levels of mercury were 3 319, 1 385 and 10 585 times the acceptable level respectively. The CHP's investigation is continuing.
The case has been referred to the Customs and Excise Department for follow-up and immediate actions.
"Chronic exposure to mercury can cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms include tremors, irritability, insomnia, deterioration of memory, difficulty in concentration, impaired hearing and vision, and change in the ability to taste. In the most severe cases, renal failure may occur," a spokesman for the CHP explained.
"As the level of mercury in the above three products far exceeded the acceptable level, use of these products may cause serious side effects. People who have used the products should stop immediately and consult health-care professionals as soon as possible if they feel unwell or are in doubt. Members of the public are urged not to buy or use cosmetic products of unknown composition or from doubtful sources," the spokesman said.
Ends/Monday, February 2, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:42
NNNN
