As part of its ongoing observance of the Zero Waste Month, the EcoWaste Coalition today announced that it has notified the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding 14 unauthorized cosmetics being offered for sale to Filipino consumers, of which nine are contaminated with violative levels of mercury.

While mercury, a potent neurotoxin, is not a permissible ingredient in cosmetics, the EcoWaste Coalition continues to detect this highly toxic chemical in products that are marketed to lighten the skin tone and get rid of acne, age spots, blemishes, freckles, and wrinkles.

“We have duly alerted our health product regulators as these cosmetics, the mercury-tainted ones in particular, pose serious health threats to users and members of their households, especially the children,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

Of the 14 products, 12 were purchased from online sellers and two were bought from a retail store in Pasay City.

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