The concentration of
mercury (Hg) was accurately determined in more than 228 drugs, cosmetics and
household products manufactured in a variety of countries. Some drugs were
found to contain up to 4424 ppb Hg, and some skin creams contained up to 2769
ppm Hg. Hg in skin creams was found to be almost 100% elemental Hg (Hg0),
a volatile species of Hg. Hg0 can enter the human body through
inhalation and skin absorption, potentially resulting in the serious
consequence of mercury poisoning. The mercury can also volatilize,
contaminating the surrounding air. Other people, for example, infants and children, who are close
to or contacting the skin of the person using the cosmetics, can also absorb the
mercury. Total mercury (THg) was determined by combustion/trap/CVAFS. Methyl
mercury (MeHg) and inorganic mercury (Hg2+) were determined by the
ethylation based method. The emission of Hg0 was determined by
evaporation/trap/CVAFS. All analyses were performed in accordance with explicit
quality assurance and quality control protocols and procedures.
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