In our daily life, we are exposed to various chemicals from many places that we do not realize. Experts say that instead of products containing dangerous chemicals, the use of natural products should be emphasized. A woman living in America got partially blind after using a skin whitening cream. It was learned that the cream that causes blindness contains mercury.
THE CHEMICAL CONTENT WAS NOT WRITTEN ON THE LABEL
He found that the unnamed patient used certain home-bought and imported products with levels 18,000 times higher than the safe amount, although the cream he used was not disclosed on the label. Mercury lightening creams leak from the skin into the bloodstream, where heavy metals inhibit the production of melanin, a pigment that gives color to hair, eyes, and skin.
AFTER HIS SYMPTOMS, HE APPLIED TO THE DOCTOR
The Somali woman first reached out to poisoning specialists when she began complaining of unexplained symptoms such as insomnia, leg pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, and the gradual loss of her peripheral vision. Unable to diagnose, the doctors named the woman Dr. Dr. from the Minnesota Poison Control System. He led a team of toxicologists led by Erin Batdorff. A test conducted at a home visit in 2022 revealed that the woman’s blood-mercury level rose to 46.6 micrograms/liter, more than nine times the level considered normal (5mcg/L).
MERCURY CREAM ALSO RISKS THE FAMILY
At that point it was learned that the woman was suffering from mercury poisoning. But further research revealed that the woman unintentionally put her family at risk as well. High levels of heavy metals were also detected in the woman’s home, possibly due to amounts left in the family’s washing machine after washing her clothes. Public health officials have also detected abnormally high concentrations in nurseries. The children also had high levels of mercury in their bodies.
USING INVISIBLE MERCURY IS HUGE RISK
Severe cases of mercury poison can cause infertility as well as life-threatening health effects such as kidney failure and catastrophic damage to the central nervous system. The woman reportedly bought some of the creams she used abroad. The report was directed by Dr. Erin Batdorff told CNN she had no idea that the woman was putting herself and her household in danger. No one wants to intentionally harm themselves or their family members. But it’s out there and you can’t see it, you can’t smell it.
“HE CANNOT RECOVER HIS SIGHT”
“There’s no way for consumers to know if there is mercury in creams because it’s not on the labels,” said Dr Batdorff. Dr Batdorff added: “She won’t be able to regain her sight… So being a young woman with vision loss right now is really scary and quite worrying.”
MANY WOMEN ARE USING SKIN WHITENING PRODUCTS
Despite the known dangers of mercury exposure, it is common in skin-whitening creams and soaps around the world. Especially Asian and Latino women often use skin whitening products.