Journal of Developing Drugs

Journal of Developing Drugs
Open Access

ISSN: 2329-6631

+44 1478 350008

Addition of mercury in fairness creams in India


Joint International Conference and Expo on Industrial Pharmacy & 5th Global Pharmacovigilance Summit

April 28-29, 2016 Dubai, UAE

S S Agrawal

Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research University, India

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Develop Drugs

Abstract :

Mercury, a poisonous substance has been found in our two studies in fairness creams sold in Delhi/NCR region. The permissible limit for mercury as per FDA should not be more than 1 ppm. However according to Drug and Cosmetic Act 1940, Rule 140(D) and 135 A, has prohibited the mercury in cosmetics. Mercury has got cumulative toxicity, it is neurotoxic and nephrotoxic. Severe pathological manifestations in fetus have been reported. Therefore, its use by pregnant women is not safe. Probably, nano mercury is used in skin creams to enhance the penetration. In 2015, the analysis perform with AAS on 10 samples of skin whitening cream, presence of mercury in skin whitening was evaluated. Mercury was detected in all samples with range of 0.004556 to 0.009 ppm as total mercury using the atomic absorption 2000 series atomic absorption model. Samples are analyzed and compared with the standard curve. Further, studies conducted in 2016 on 10 brands, showed marked elevation of mercury concentration ranges 0.14 to 0.36 ppm. It is observed that quantity of mercury has been increased in these fairness creams as compared to 2015. This is violation of the Drug and Cosmetic Act. Strict rules and regulations are required to prohibit the use of mercury in skin care products and other products to achieve an eco friendly environment. The detailed results will be presented.

Biography :

Email: ssagrawal@amity.edu

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