Abstract
The Arizona Department of Health Services performed an investigation to determine the health effects associated with the use of a mercury-containing beauty cream. A urine test for mercury was offered to cream users who contacted the Arizona Department of Health Services. Those with urine mercury levels >20 μg/L were offered clinical evaluation. Eighty-nine urine specimens were submitted for testing. Of these, 66 showed an elevated urine mercury level (>20 μg/L), and 55 people were evaluated in clinic. There were no major abnormalities found through physical examination or laboratory testing. Urine mercury levels declined from an initial mean of 170 μg/L to 32 μg/L at the final test (mean, 139 days later). The high urine mercury levels indicate that the use of this cosmetic cream constitutes a significant exposure. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were frequently reported, but few objective signs were noted.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 4-7 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of occupational and environmental medicine |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2000 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health