EcoWaste Coalition, a watchdog group, has urged the government of Pakistan to address its failure in enforcing the global ban on mercury-added cosmetics. The group highlighted the detection of high levels of mercury in Pakistani skin-lightening products, with some containing up to 33,970 parts per million. Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition, emphasized the dangers these products pose to consumers, especially women and children.
The group’s investigation revealed that 18 out of 20 newly purchased products from Pakistan contained mercury, far exceeding the permissible limit. These products, including those labeled as “export quality,” were found to have hazardous levels of mercury, raising serious health concerns. EcoWaste Coalition stressed the need for strict enforcement of the ban on mercury in cosmetics under the Minamata Convention, urging Pakistan to take immediate action.
According to EcoWaste Coalition, the discovery of highly contaminated skin lightening products underscores the importance of global efforts to eliminate mercury from cosmetics. The group called on Pakistan and other signatories of the Minamata Convention to uphold regulations and prevent the production and trade of mercury-laden cosmetics. The persistent violation of the ban on mercury in cosmetics poses a significant risk to public health and demands urgent intervention to safeguard consumers.
