Warning: Some Skin Creams Contain Mercury
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM) -- You'd be better off with your freckles or spots than with a dangerous cream containing mercury.
WBBM Newsradio 780's Dave Dahl reports environmental authorities in Illinois and other states have found imported skin-lightening creams can contain mercury.
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The heavy, liquid-state metal is dangerous, as Illinois Environmental Protection Agency spokeswoman Maggie Carson explains.
"Those people that took a lot of science courses used to put mercury out on the table and roll around. It does have some fascinating qualities just because of its consistency," Carson said. "But the more we learn about mercury, the more we know that it should be avoided in any situation."
Carson says consumers should read the labels, because sometimes other words are used for mercury, such as mercurio, mercurous chloride, or calomel.
