March 22, 2013

The Department of Health today appealed to the public not to buy or use a cosmetic cream called Yin Ni Whitener Repair Cream, as it may contain excessive mercury.
 
The appeal was issued after a case of mercury poisoning involving a 30-year-old woman. She went to Eastern Hospital on February 16 with swelling of the lower limbs, and was found to have kidney disease and mercury poisoning.
 
She had used the cream for two months, bought from an Indonesian shop in Hong Kong.
 
She was discharged from hospital on February 18. Laboratory tests showed the level of mercury was 8,349 times the acceptable level.
 
Chronic exposure to mercury can cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys.