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The Department of Health today (May 5) called on people not to use a cosmetic product called Rose Super White Whitening Essence (Day and Night) following a case of mercury poisoning reported by the Hospital Authority.
The case involved a 35-year-old woman who was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on March 27 for generalised swelling and foamy urine and was discharged on April 5. Four days later, she again developed generalised swelling and was admitted to the same hospital. She was discharged on April 21 in stable condition.
Examination by the hospital laboratories showed that she had a high level of mercury in her blood and urine. The test results by Government Laboratory received today confirmed the level of mercury in the Day and Night Cream was 1.6 and 10,000 times respectively that of the acceptable level. The department’s investigations revealed that she had used the product obtained from her friends for about six months before the onset of symptoms.
The Department of Health has referred the case to the Customs and Excise Department for follow-up action. According to preliminary enquiries by the Customs and Excise Department, the product was not found on the Hong Kong market.
A department spokesman urged people who had been using the cosmetic cream concerned to stop using it immediately and seek advice from their doctors as soon as possible.
He said mercury poisoning was caused by overdose of mercury in the body, causing damage mainly to the nervous systems and kidneys. Symptoms may include tremor, irritability, insomnia, memory deterioration, difficulty with concentrating, impaired hearing and vision or change in taste. In most severe cases, renal failure may occur.
Ends/Monday, May 5, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:05
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