The local health unit is warning the public not to use certain skincare products after a case of mercury poisoning was confirmed in the area.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) issued a statement Monday morning. The alert is about products without labels likely purchased outside of Canada. Dr. Charles Gardner is SMDHU’s medical officer of health.
He said the items are marketed for skin-lightening, anti-ageing or acne treatment and can contain harmful ingredients.
“People need to be aware that out of country artisanal or unlabeled cosmetic skin creams marketed for skin-lightening, anti-ageing or for the treatment of acne may contain unsafe and potentially toxic ingredients, including high concentrations of mercury,” Gardner said. “Travel and the abundance of online shopping platforms make it easy for people to access cosmetic and skin products that are restricted for use in Canada because they are unsafe.”
The health unit said mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal and when contained in products such as skin cream, it can easily transfer from containers to the skin, other people and items at home. Infants and children are at greatest risk from mercury exposure due to their developing brain and nervous system.
Toddlers can be at risk if a family member has been using the product, given the close skin-to-skin contact of young children with their family members.
More information can be found on SMDHU’s website.