TOXIC SCREENING. An X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) chemical analyzer displays a reading of 510 parts per million (ppm) of mercury from a sample of Collagen Plus Vit E Day & Night Cream. The banned cosmetics were among several prohibited skin-lightening products discovered by environmental watchdog BAN Toxics being sold in public markets in Cagayan de Oro City. —Photo courtesy of BAN Toxics
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Environmental watchdog BAN Toxics has issued a stern public health warning after discovering that prohibited skin-lightening products containing dangerous levels of mercury are openly flooding major public markets in this city.
The group purchased 11 skin-lightening cosmetics from various beauty shops inside the Cogon and Carmen public markets between June 30 and July 2. Retailing for as low as P60 to P330, the products remain highly accessible to local consumers despite standing bans from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In an interview with the Inquirer on Sunday, July 5, Thony Dizon, BAN Toxics advocacy and campaign officer, said it was alarming that these whitening products continue to be sold despite FDA advisories marking them “prohibited for use and sale” due to their toxic mercury content, which damages both health and the environment.
