Sunday, June 8, 2025
  • Contact Us
  • About BBS
  • Privacy & Policy
ENG
DZO
BBSCL Logo
  • Home
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Education
  • More
    • Announcement
    • Audience Survey Report
    • Programme
    • Radio Dzo-Channel Schedule
    • Radio Mix-Channel Schedule
Radio Live
No Result
View All Result
BBSCL logo
  • Home
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Education
  • More
    • Announcement
    • Audience Survey Report
    • Programme
    • Radio Dzo-Channel Schedule
    • Radio Mix-Channel Schedule
No Result
View All Result
BBSCL logo
Radio LIVE

Mercury in cosmetics poses health risks

April 5, 2024
in Health, Other Stories
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
0
SHARES
13
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Using cosmetics containing mercury can harm the body, causing problems such as kidney damage and skin problems among others. The United Nations Environment Programme and the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention highlighted the urgent need to create awareness regarding the harmful effects of skin-lightening mercury-containing products and regulate them in the market. In Bhutan, dermatologists at the national referral hospital are advising against the use of certain skin-lightening cosmetics, particularly those locally produced or imported with undisclosed mercury content.

The World Health Organisation says inorganic mercury is found in skin-lightening creams and soaps. Whereas, organic mercury is found in eye makeup and cleansing products.

Both types of mercury have a diverse degree of toxicity and effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, along with damage to the lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes.

According to a dermatologist at the national referral hospital, skin-lightening products with hidden content of mercury, steroids and hydroquinone are the main source of concern in the country.

The dermatologist said it is recommended to use products prescribed by them.

“So usually we advise sun protection and we prescribe some medicated skin lightening agents. But it is available over the counter. So, patients can also buy without a doctor’s prescription and some of them of course go and buy it across the border. This mercury, you could be using it, but because it’s on your skin, it can also transfer to your family members. Especially through towels and touching and things like that so even your family members can be at risk,” said Dr Ambika Pradhan, a dermatologist.

She added that pregnant women, infants, and young children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of mercury.

Cosmetics are usually sold at pharmacies and in shops as well.

However, there is no authority concerned to inspect the contents of cosmetics in the market. The Bhutan Food and Drug Authority said they are not mandated to inspect cosmetics. This means it is unsure if cosmetics sold in shops in the country contain mercury or not.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, mercury-containing cosmetics can contaminate the environment through wastewater.

Singye Dema

Edited by Tshering Zam 

Previous Post

Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck graces National Design and Art Competition

Next Post

ACC attributes drop in corruption reports against LG to heightened advocacy

Next Post
ACC attributes drop in corruption reports against LG to heightened advocacy

ACC attributes drop in corruption reports against LG to heightened advocacy

Bhutan Early Childhood Education and Development Association launched to unite ECCD centres

Bhutan Early Childhood Education and Development Association launched to unite ECCD centres

Dance revolution grips Bhutanese youth

Dance revolution grips Bhutanese youth

Please login to join discussion

RECOMMENDED NEWS

Collaborative efforts to conserve black-necked crane

Collaborative efforts to conserve black-necked crane

3 years ago
9

Nu.630 million for rehabilitating Taklai Irrigation System

12 years ago
1
10-bedded hospital for Pangbisa by September this year

10-bedded hospital for Pangbisa by September this year

3 years ago
4

Defining counselling

12 years ago
1

BROWSE BY CATEGORIES

  • Accidents (14)
  • Agriculture (426)
  • Announcement (174)
  • Audience Survey Report (1)
  • Business (744)
  • Crime/Legal (367)
  • Culture (47)
  • Development (51)
  • Disaster (57)
  • Economy (278)
  • Education (413)
  • Entertainment (13)
  • Environment (61)
  • Feature (65)
  • Featured (6)
  • Festival (78)
  • GMC (14)
  • Headlines (9)
  • Health (622)
  • Legal (52)
  • Literature (9)
  • Livestock (75)
  • Media (25)
  • Other Stories (5,574)
  • Politics (419)
  • RCSC (1)
  • Recent stories (5)
  • Religion (45)
  • Sci/Tech (709)
  • Social (516)
  • Sports (449)
  • Technology (190)
  • Tourism (19)
  • Uncategorized (13,866)
  • Video (136)
  • Video Story (249)
  • Wildlife (42)

BROWSE BY TOPICS

Tender Announcement Vacancy Announcement

POPULAR NEWS

  • BPC’s investigation rules out transformer short circuit as Damchhu forest fire cause

    Viral video of Bhutanese man assaulted by locals and police in Jaigaon sparks safety concerns

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Gelephu Mindfulness City opens recruitment drive for Bhutanese professionals

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Newspaper accuses DPT candidate of political ploy

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • A centenarian’s recipe to longevity

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • 40 companies risk closure over failure to submit financial reports

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
BBSCL

Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) is Bhutan’s primary national broadcaster, delivering diverse news and entertainment in multiple languages, fostering cultural understanding and public knowledge.

Follow us on social media:

Recent News

  • Phuentshogling Thromde installs reverse vending machine to promote recycling
  • Fixed deposit interest to be taxed at 10% under proposed Income Tax Bill
  • Yonphula Specialised Rehabilitation School to open next month
  • RMA to roll out seven new measures for loan repayment support
  • National Housing Strategy to be ready by September

News Category

  • Accidents
  • Agriculture
  • Announcement
  • Audience Survey Report
  • Business
  • Crime/Legal
  • Culture
  • Development
  • Disaster
  • Economy
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Environment
  • Feature
  • Featured
  • Festival
  • GMC
  • Headlines
  • Health
  • Legal
  • Literature
  • Livestock
  • Media
  • Other Stories
  • Politics
  • RCSC
  • Recent stories
  • Religion
  • Sci/Tech
  • Social
  • Sports
  • Technology
  • Tourism
  • Uncategorized
  • Video
  • Video Story
  • Wildlife
  • Contact Us
  • About BBS
  • Privacy & Policy

© 2024 BBSCL. All rights reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Education
  • More
    • Announcement
    • Audience Survey Report
    • Programme
    • Radio Dzo-Channel Schedule
    • Radio Mix-Channel Schedule

© 2024 BBSCL. All rights reserved.