5 May 2008
The Department of Health (DH) today (May 5) called on members of the public 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 generalized swelling and foamy urine and was discharged on April 5. Four days later, she developed generalized swelling again and was admitted to the same hospital. She was later 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. DH's investigations revealed that she had used the product obtained from her friends for about six months before the onset of symptoms.
DH 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 in Hong Kong market.
A DH spokesman urged members of the public who have been using the cosmetic cream concerned should stop using it immediately and seek advice from their doctors as soon as possible.
He said mercury poisoning is caused by overdose of mercury in the body, causing damage mainly to the nervous systems and kidney. 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.