If you are one of the millions of people who use skin creams to lighten your complexion or age spots, you may be putting your health at risk. Beware because you might be using a mercury face cream, which contains a toxic chemical that can cause serious harm to your health. Mercury, a poisonous metal, has been found in some skin-whitening creams, leading to growing consumer concern.
Have you experienced adverse symptoms from using face cream products?
They might contain mercury and you could be entitled to compensation.
A case report shared exclusively with CNN revealed a Minnesota mother’s terrifying experience with mercury poisoning from using skin-lightening creams. As a result, the woman lost part of her vision, and her family was inadvertently exposed to a toxic mercury level, putting her entire household at risk.
The woman reported various symptoms to multiple doctors, ranging from insomnia and leg pain to muscle weakness, fatigue, and losing peripheral vision after using face cream containing mercury.
The report, shared by Dr. Erin Batdorff with the Minnesota Poison Control System, mentioned various symptoms experienced by the woman. It also mentioned how home visits conducted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency found elevated levels of mercury in her children’s bedrooms, bedding, household towels, and laundry area.
Dr. Batdorff also mentioned that even after removing the mercury out of the woman’s system, there is low to no chance of recovering her vision back.
As such, health experts believe that more people are being exposed to toxic levels of mercury and are not showing symptoms, or at least not yet. Nevertheless, the incident has brought attention to the potential dangers of skin-whitening beauty products, putting consumers at risk of harmful health complications.
Mercury in Cosmetics
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers about the dangers of these products and, in some cases, has even issued recalls. However, despite these warnings, many manufacturers continue to produce and sell skin-whitening products that may contain inorganic mercury.
The reported case of the Sacramento woman who fell into a semi-comatose state in September 2019 is another example. According to the reports, she started experiencing slurred speech, face and hand numbness, and difficulty in walking some time in July 2019. Her condition worsened over time, sending her in a semi-comatose state. Upon investigation, the doctors identified that her illness was from continuous use of a Ponds face cream bought from Mexico, which reportedly contained mercury.
The mother of five had 2,630 micrograms of mercury per liter in her bloodstream from using the Ponds mercury face cream twice a day for seven continuous years. Unfortunately, even after weeks of successful chelation therapy, a process where the toxic chemical is removed from the urine, her condition remained the same. She might have permanent neurological damage and will need continuous support for feeding and self-care.
If you or someone you know has been harmed by mercurial exposure in beauty products, it is crucial to understand your legal rights and options. Read on to learn more about the risks associated with mercury-filled face creams and what you can do if you have experienced any adverse reactions. We will also discuss who can file a mercury face cream lawsuit, the chances of success, and how much compensation you can expect.
Risks Associated With Exposure to Mercury Face Cream
Skin whitening products have been popular for a long time, especially in countries and communities where fair skin is considered a symbol of beauty. But, unfortunately, not all skin whitening products are safe, and some contain harmful chemicals, including any form of mercury. There are still beauty products sold in local markets or through online retailers that have unknown substances in them.
Before the 1970’s, mercury was used in cosmetic products as it lowers the production of melanin, making the skin appear brighter. Today, mercury is a known toxic substance still inadvertently used in skin care products, particularly skin-whitening creams. These products are often marketed to individuals who want to lighten their skin tone, not knowing that they can have a serious health impact.
Mercury is a heavy metal linked to several medical problems, including cancer and vision loss. According to the FDA, mercury exposure can damage the kidneys and nervous system. Furthermore, it has also been found to harm an unborn child’s developing brain and can pose high-risks to pregnant women.
Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of mercury can cause an array of symptoms, such as:
- Memory loss
- Tremors
- Loss of vision
- Personality changes
- Numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, and around the mouth
How Do You Know if the Skin-Lightening Products You Are Using Contain Mercury?
Overall, it is difficult to determine if a skin-lightening product contains mercury as it is not listed as an ingredient on the label. Moreover, most of these products are labeled in languages other than English.
However, some skin products may contain mercury salts or other mercury derivatives, which manufacturers can list on the product label as:
- Calomel
- Mercuric iodide
- Mercurio
- Mercurous chloride
- Amide chloride of mercury
Consumers should also watch out for products that claim to lighten or brighten the skin quickly, as these are often the ones that contain high levels of mercury. While they might not show on the list of active ingredients, they may be in the additives part where people can barely notice. You may ask health care providers on doctor visits to check if the products you are using possibly contain harmful ingredients or not.
What You Can Do if You Have Been Exposed to Mercury Face Creams and Experienced Adverse Effects
If you have been using face cream tainted with mercury and experienced adverse reactions, you should stop using the product immediately and seek medical attention. Prompt medical attention can treat mercury poisoning, and early intervention can prevent further damage.
You should also report the product to the FDA’s MedWatch program, which collects and reviews reports of adverse effects caused by medical products, including skin-whitening products.
If you have suffered significant harm, consider speaking with a defective products lawyer about filing a mercury face cream lawsuit.
Filing a Mercury Face Cream Lawsuit
Anyone who has used a mercury face cream and suffered the harmful effects of mercury can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer or distributor of the product. The chances of success depend on the specific circumstances of each case. These factors can include the severity of harm, the strength of the evidence, and the skill of the attorney representing the plaintiff.
Additionally, if you have suffered from significant damage and injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Next Steps For Your Lawsuit
If you believe that you have been harmed by a skin-whitening product that contains mercury, here are the steps that you can follow to uphold your legal rights:
- Document your experience. Include vital information, such as:
- The name of the mercury face cream
- When did you start using it?
- How long did you use it?
- Any symptoms or reactions you experienced.
- Photos of any visible damage to your skin.
- Look for an attorney with experience handling cases involving product liability claims. A skilled attorney can review your case and determine whether you have a valid lawsuit.
- Schedule a consultation with your attorney to discuss your case. Bring all relevant documentation and information with you to the meeting.
- If the attorney determines that you have a valid claim, they will help you file a claim against the manufacturer of the skin-whitening product. This step may involve filing a lawsuit or negotiating a settlement.
- Work closely with your attorney throughout the legal process. They will be able to guide you through each step and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Remember, it is crucial to act immediately if a mercury face cream has harmed you. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to obtain compensation.
Call Our Award Winning Attorneys Today!
If you or any of your family members is suspected of potential mercury poisoning, seek consultation from a health care professional immediately. Your next best step is to speak with a knowledgeable attorney who can walk you through filing a lawsuit.
Farahi Law Firm specializes in personal injury cases involving harmful skincare products. Contact Farahi Law Firm for a free consultation and to learn more about your legal rights and options. Don’t suffer in silence — take action today!
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case consultation. Our experienced team of lawyers, doctors, and case managers is here to help! Call us at (844) 824-2955! We are available 24/7.
