Whitening cosmetic products containing mercury 58,000 times the maximum permissible level are circulating in South Korea. The same products are also being sold in North Korea, reportedly manufactured in China.
According to the World Health Organisation, the main adverse effect of the mercury contained in skin lightening soaps and creams is kidney damage, though it may also cause rashes, skin discolouration and scarring, as well as a reduction in the skin’s resistance to bacterial and fungal infections.
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