Interesting article published on UNEP’s website today about an initiative involving the governments of Gabon, Jamaica and Sri Lanka to eliminate mercury from skin lightening products.

Despite the known dangers, mercury remains present in many skin-lightening products that are easily available in markets around the world. It works by inhibiting the body’s production or melanin thus making the skin appear lighter, however it can cause rashes and scarring, as well as serious nervous, digestive and immune system damage, anxiety and depression.

The new ‘Eliminating mercury skin lightening products’ project will seek to reduce the risks of exposure and raise awareness of the health risks and develop model regulations on reducing circulation and halting mercury production.

ISLANDS is also working to raise awareness and reduce the presence of mercury in 33 SIDS and presented its mercury initiatives and promoted this mercury community of practice on the Green Forum at the inaugural meeting of the project at WHO headquarters yesterday.