AN environmental watchdog is imploring the Cagayan de Oro City government to initiate law enforcement actions aimed at curbing the rampant trade of perilous cosmetics containing mercury within the city.
Aileen Lucero, the National Coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition, urged Mayor Rolando Uy to intervene decisively, emphasizing the need to purge Cogon Market and adjacent retail hubs of illicit beauty products infused with mercury. She highlighted the imminent health hazards posed by such products, particularly skin lightening facial creams.
Lucero underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between local authorities, health agencies, and law enforcement, in tandem with the regional field office of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to dismantle the unlawful trade of these cosmetics, which not only jeopardize human health but also inflict harm on the environment.
The plea from EcoWaste Coalition follows their recent surveillance at local markets, part of a broader campaign to safeguard public health, especially women’s health, from the perils of chemical-based whiteners often sourced internationally.
During their inspection last Sunday, EcoWaste Coalition staff encountered flagrant sales of banned cosmetics, including notorious brands like Jiaoli and S’Zitang, both originating from China, as well as the prohibited Goree Beauty Cream from Pakistan.
In a bid to demonstrate the extent of contamination, EcoWaste Coalition conducted analyses using an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) device, revealing alarmingly high levels of mercury in tested products.
With one sample containing a staggering 26,360 ppm of mercury, EcoWaste Coalition emphasizes the grave health risks associated with these products, citing findings from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding adverse effects ranging from kidney damage to neurodevelopmental deficits in children.
In addition to enforcement measures, EcoWaste Coalition proposed a “Brown Is Beautiful” campaign to foster appreciation for natural skin tones, aiming to dissuade the use of hazardous skin whitening products among residents of Cagayan de Oro and beyond.
The EcoWaste Coalition’s call to action underscores the urgency of addressing the perilous trade of mercury-laden cosmetics, signaling a critical step towards safeguarding public health and environmental integrity. (CBC)
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