******************************************************
The hotline set up by the Department of Health to answer public enquiries on mercury poisoning in relation to "¼bÄR¦^¬K¯À(Òç´³1¸¹)" and "¼bÄR¦^¬K¯À(Òç´³2¸¹)" cosmetic cream has received 19 calls up to 5pm today (June 11).
"Among them, six claimed that they had used both or either one of the products which were sold in twin packs," a department spokesman said.
"Health advice was given to them and the department is following up those who claimed that they might have used the products," he said.
The spokesman urged people to stop using the products immediately following confirmation by laboratory results that the mercury content of both products exceeded the maximum permitted concentration of mercury for cosmetics.
The hotline 2125 1133, operating between 9am and 5pm daily, was set up on June 9 following a report of mercury poisoning involving a 39-year-old woman who had used both products.
"People who have been using the cosmetic cream concerned should stop using it immediately and seek advice from their doctors as soon as possible," the spokesman said.
Ends/Monday, June 11, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:08
NNNN