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New Delhi, Jan. 16 -- Skin whitening creams and lipstick sold in India contain high levels of dangerous metals such as mercury and chromium, according to laboratory tests conducted by a non-profit organization.
Mercury, which can damage kidneys, cause rashes, scarring, anxiety, depression and psychosis, was found in 14 out of 32 so-called fairness creams tested by the pollution monitoring laboratory of Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), with levels ranging from 0.1 parts per million (ppm) to 1.97 ppm.
Indian laws prohibit use of the metal in all cosmetic products in the country.
"Aroma Magic Fair Lotion, a product of Blossom Kochhar Beauty Products Pvt. Ltd, had the highest mercury level at 1.97 ppm, followed by Olay Natural White (1.79 ppm), a product of Procter and Gamble Hygiene & Healthcare Ltd, and Ponds White Beauty (1.36 ppm) of Hindustan Unilever Ltd," CSE said in a statement on Wednesday.
Whitening creams may contribute up to 71% of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for mercury, depending upon the product and the amount of the cream used. ADI is the maximum amount of a toxin that a person can be exposed to...