Doctors warn presence of deadly chemicals in Cosmetics

The desire to get fairer flawless skin like favourite personalities can damage the skin and overall health of a person as most of them contain harmful chemicals as claimed by eminent Indian Doctors. Most of the beauty products available in India contain toxic heavy metals that can cause deadly diseases including cancer. 

A study conducted by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi, detected presence of mercury, chromium and nickel in fairness creams and lipsticks sold by popular brands across the country. Regarding the growing health hazard, warning was issued by doctors to make people aware about the side effects of steroids, heavy metals being used in fairness and anti-fungal creams.

Doctors believe that over the past two to three years, cases of skin infection increased from 2% to 15% as a result of application of fairness creams. The side effects of long-term use of these creams include growth of unwanted facial hair, acne, thinning of skin, discoloration of skin, and scarring. Anti-fungal creams containing steroids also increase the incidence of skin diseases.

Fluticasone and betamethasone are some of the steroids found in such creams may offer quick results, but the occurrence of fungus in the body rises. There are cases in which fungal infection increased to 30% to 40% of the body as researches found.

Moreover, researchers were shocked to find mercury, a poisonous heavy metal, the use of which has been banned by the Indian government, in nearly half percentage of the fairness creams marketed in India.

Exposure to mercury has long been associated with adverse health outcomes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to the chemical can cause severe damages to the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs and kidneys. It can even lead to death and cause neurological and behavioral disorders.
If mercury was the problem with fairness creams, lipsticks were highly packed with chromium and nickel. Like mercury, both chromium and nickel have been associated with many health problems. According to health experts, exposure to chromium and nickel can cause asthma, lung, nasal or sinus cancer, skin problems, cardiovascular events, reproductive and developments problems.

Concerned with the findings and shocking reports, it is top priority that introduction of stronger laws to avoid any health risks posed by these products to the common public should be soon framed and implemented by government . Companies should stop thinking of making profitable business out of common man’s faith, money and health. Only properly tested toxic chemical and compound free products must be allowed to carry on their further business. Greater fines and defamation, court trials can create awareness. Also consumers should act as smart citizen, show awareness and get themselves free from falling prey to such fake cosmetics! PSM- India raises their voice against this bullish act and promises to further inform consumers about such fake health product related crimes occurring in India.