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Study Finds A Kidney Problem And Even Kidney Failure May Result From Certain Skin Lightening Products

25th August, 2010 - Posted by health news - No Comments

A possibly-fatal kidney problem or other organ damage may result from using certain imported skin lightening products, according to a recent investigation published in the Chicago Tribune newspaper.

The Tribune conducted an independent investigation of approximately fifty skin bleaching products and found that some contained , quoting here “toxic” amounts of mercury. The results appeared May 18, 2010.

The products are sold as a way of lightening age spots and freckles.

Mercury can be hazardous to humans because it can cause big trouble for several organs including the heart, lungs and kidneys. Kidney problems, possibly leading to failure of the kidneys, are among the possibilities.

When kidney failure takes place, the consequences can be fatal. There are only two ways to save your life: these include kidney transplant operation or kidney dialysis.

High mercury levels can enter the bloodstream after being spread on the skin. The degree of danger varies depending on the individual’s BMI or Body Mass Index and a number of other factors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers more than one gram of mercury per kilogram (2.2 pounds) to be excessive. Amounts that exceed the maximum can cause life-threatening disorders. Small doses can build up over an extended period of time, creating long term ill-effects.

Mercury can cause vision problems, blurry vision and trouble walking. It can cause major problems with organs, and in some cases, end in death. Mercury can be especially dangerous for the fetuses of pregnant women, infants and small children.

Mercury has not been legal for use in skin lightening products since 1990 when it was banned by the Food and Drug Administration. The Tribune’s investigation found that products are easy to find nonetheless. The FDA told the Tribune that it has less than 500 inspectors who can review imported product information, making it possible for some products to slip through the regulatory cracks .

Approximately 50 skin cream samples were sent to to an independent lab for testing. 6 included mercury levels that exceeded legal limits in the U.S. Five of the six had levels of 6,000 parts per million of mercury, which is high enough to cause kidney problems .

The products were imported to the U.S. from Lebanon, China, India, Pakistan and Taiwan

One Chicago dermatologist, Dr. Jonith Breadon, said he was “shocked and speechless” that products with such high mercury levels in them are easy to get.

Sales outlets which had the products on their shelves and promised to remove them. Two companies that were distributing the products say they will no longer do so.

Freckles and age spot lighteners have become extremely popular in the U.S. in recent years. Sales have been especially good among Asian, Hispanic and African-American ethnic groups. Sales are expected to go above 75 million annually by 2015.

Among the other creams and lotions tested by the Tribune, the highest levels of mercury were found in a product called Stillman’s Skin Bleach Cream. Other products includedTop-Gel MCA Extra Pearl Cream, Creme Diana CTR, Ling Ji Su, Lulanjina, and Shabright Clear and Bright Skin Formula.

A number of common skin lightening products tested by the Tribune did not include mercury at all.

Read more about these kidney problems and others by visiting http://www.kidney-problem.org.

A number of doctors who were contacted by the Tribune said that anyone who wants a safe skin lightening cream can get one by prescription. They also stressed that such creams should be used only for lightening freckles and age spots, not to bleach normally dark skin.

Lern more about other kidney problems and related topics by visiting http://www.kidney-problem.org.