Beware of Mercury in Imported Skin Creams

The Food and Drug Administration has warned that some skin creams, soaps and lotions that are manufactured overseas and sold in some US shops might contain toxic amounts of mercury. The FDA has identified 35 potentially poisonous products, which include goods made by the brands Diana, Stillman's, Lusco and Crema Aguamary, that are manufactured abroad and sold illegally in the US, typically in stores catering to Latino, African-American, Asian and Middle Eastern communities. Mercury poisoning can cause tremors, changes in vision or hearing, memory problems, depression, irritability, and other symptoms. The FDA does not allow mercury in drugs or in cosmetics, except under very specific conditions, which these products do not meet.