The high cost of beauty – skin creams, mercury poisoning and home clean- (1hr 50m Learning Lab: Tabletop/Group Exercise)

Dangerous amounts of mercury have been found recently in imported skin-lightening or acne creams in California, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Texas and Virginia. Such preparations contain mercury salts and are commonly used in cultures throughout the world to remove blemishes, treat acne and lighten skin tone. Mercury salts are absorbed readily by the body and are also stored in the skin. Items handled by product users become contaminated by touch and off-gas into ambient air; mercury salts are transformed into mercury vapor in the presence of UV light. Between 2011 and 2013, the California Department of Public Health, along with local health departments and environmental agencies, participated in family case management and decontamination of three homes severely affected by mercury-containing products. Elevated urinary mercury levels from living in homes where mercury-containing cosmetics have been used are seen in both product users and non-users, with health effects ranging from mild to life threatening. Environmental health professionals should become aware of this emerging source of mercury contamination and learn strategies to detect and decontaminate homes and household items.  Challenges to decontamination are numerous given the vast dispersion of mercury around the home, and on personal items such as children’s toys, electronic devices, carpets, mattresses, pillows and clothes. Mercury salts can build-up in washing machines and contaminate clothing of household members. This learning laboratory workshop will include case studies, problem solving activities and is based on investigations conducted by the California Department of Public Health.  Through interactive problem-solving exercises, attendees will apply concepts of the US EPA/ATSDR Action Levels and strategize decontamination approaches.