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A Philippines watchdog group warned about toxic chemicals in certain underarm whitening creams. The EcoWaste Coalition found Snow White Armpit Whitening Underarm Cream and 88 Total White Underarm Cream contain mercury above the one ppm limit under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and the Minamata Convention.
Both creams were made in Thailand and purchased online. Labels promise to reduce body odour, provide a whitening effect, and smooth skin tone.
The ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) is a set of guidelines implemented by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to regulate the manufacture, import, and sale of cosmetic products in the region. The ACD includes a list of prohibited and restricted substances, including mercury, limited to 1 part per million trace amount.
The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global treaty signed in 2013 by over 120 countries, including the Philippines and Thailand, to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. The treaty aims to reduce the use and release of mercury in products, processes and industries, including cosmetics.
As part of the treaty, the signatory countries agreed to phase out the manufacture, import, and export of mercury-added products, including cosmetics with mercury content above 1 ppm. The treaty also requires countries to regulate and monitor mercury use and promote safer alternatives in cosmetics and other products.
Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition, said the mercury in such creams could cause serious health risks. Exposure to inorganic mercury in skin-lightening products can lead to kidney damage, skin rashes, discolouration, and scarring. The World Health Organization also warns of reduced skin resistance to infections, anxiety, depression, psychosis, and peripheral neuropathy.
The EcoWaste Coalition urges manufacturers to comply with the ACD and the Minamata Convention’s global phase-out of mercury-added cosmetics. It calls for increased enforcement strategies to remove skin-lightening products contaminated with mercury and other hazardous substances from the marketplace, including online shopping platforms.
The group advises consumers to reject chemical whiteners and change the mindset that values white skin. They call on people to love and celebrate their natural skin colour. Skin-lightening products have been found to contain toxic substances in many countries.
Regulatory bodies are taking action to protect consumers from hazardous chemicals in cosmetics, which can have severe health consequences. Skin whitening products are famous in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, where fair skin is often seen as a symbol of beauty and status.
The EcoWaste Coalition is a Philippine non-governmental organization focusing on environmental health and justice issues. The group advocates for responsible waste management, chemical safety, and protecting public health and the environment.
It has been involved in several campaigns to raise awareness about toxic chemical hazards in products and promote sustainable consumption and production. The group’s activities include research and monitoring, capacity building, policy advocacy, and community mobilization. The EcoWaste Coalition has been recognized for promoting environmental and social responsibility and has received awards and citations from various organizations.
C. Khor
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