MANILA, Philippines – Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition yesterday asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct more stringent tests on skin whitening products for traces of mercury. In a letter to FDA director Nazarita Tacandong, EcoWaste asked the agency to organize random market inspections to detect and eliminate other toxic chemicals such as lead, phthlates, dioxane, formaldehyde, hydroquinone and steroids in personal care products.
EcoWaste said the FDA should also look for toxic substances that can cause birth defects and damage to the neurological and endocrine system.
The group cited a report by the Chicago Tribune that six of the 50 skin lightening products it had sent to a certified laboratory for testing were found to contain high levels of mercury prohibited under US federal law. –Sheila Crisostomo (The Philippine Star)
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