Are Skin Lightening Creams A Problem For Your Kidneys?

Kidney problems and other organ damage may result from using certain skin bleaching products, according to a recent investigative report published in the Chicago Tribune newspaper.

The Tribune investigated more than 4 dozen skin bleaching products and discovered that some contained what the newspaper called "toxic" mercury levels. The results were published in mid-May, 2010.

The products are designed to be used for lightening freckles and age spots.

Mercury must be used carefully on humans because it can cause big trouble for several organs including the heart, lungs, and brain. Kidney problems, possibly including kidney failure, are one of the most serious threats.

High mercury levels can enter the bloodstream after being placed on the skin. The degree of danger varies depending on an individual's body weight and a number of other factors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers more than one gram of mercury per kilogram (2.2 pounds) to be excessive. Amounts in excess of the maximum limit can cause life-threatening conditions. Minute doses can accumulate over the course of months or even years, creating long term problems.

Mercury can cause vision problems, blurred vision and trouble walking. It can shut down organs, and in some cases, end in death. Mercury can be especially dangerous for the unborn babies of pregnant women, infants and toddlers.

Mercury has not been legal for use in skin care products since 1990 when it was banned by the FDA. The Tribune's investigation found that products are easy to find nonetheless. The FDA told the Tribune that it has fewer than 500 inspectors who can investigate imported products, making it possible for some products to avoid testing .

The Tribune sent 50 skin cream samples to an independent lab for testing. Six contained levels of mercury that were higher than legal limits in the United States. Five had levels of 6,000 parts per million of mercury, which is sufficient to cause kidney problems .

The products came to the U.S. from Lebanon, China, India, Pakistan and Taiwan

One dermatologist in the Chicago area, Dr. Jonith Breadon, said he was "shocked and speechless" that products with such high mercury levels in them are easy to get.

Retailers who had the products in stock and promised to remove them. Two companies that were distributing the products say they will no longer do so.

Freckles and age spot lighteners have become extremely popular in the United States in the past few years. Sales have been especially good among Asian, Hispanic and African-American ethnic groups. Sales are expected to go above 75 million annually by 2015.

Among the other skin lightening products tested by the Tribune, the highest amounts of mercury were found in a product called Stillman's Skin Bleach Cream. Other products wereTop-Gel MCA Extra Pearl Cream, Creme Diana CTR, Ling Ji Su, Lulanjina, and Shabright Clear and Bright Skin Formula.

A number of common skin care products tested by the Tribune contained no mercury at all.

Several doctors who were contacted by the Tribune said that anyone who wants a safe skin lightening product can get one by prescription. They also pointed out that such products be used only for lightening freckles and age spots, not to bleach naturally dark skin.