Source: Hindu

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Context

• The use of skin lightening creams containing mercury has been linked to serious health issues, particularly kidney damage, as highlighted by recent research conducted in Kerala.

Details

Findings

• A study published in Kidney International reported 15 cases of Membranous Nephropathy (MN) linked to the regular use of fairness creams.
• Heavy metal screening revealed high levels of mercury in the blood and urine samples of affected individuals.
• Mercury in fairness creams inhibits the formation of melanin, resulting in a lighter skin tone.
• The obsession with fair skin drives the demand for such products, leading to widespread use despite the associated health risks.
• Patients typically experienced non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, mild edema, and frothy urine.
• High levels of proteinuria (protein in urine) were observed, indicating kidney damage.

Global Public Health Concern

• The use of toxic cosmetic creams is a widespread issue, particularly in African and Asian countries.
• Despite being banned by the Minamata Convention on Mercury, mercury-containing skin lightening products continue to be sold by major online retailers.
• The lack of awareness and reluctance to stop using fairness creams pose challenges in addressing the problem.

About Mercury Metal

• Mercury, also known as quicksilver, is a chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80.

Physical Properties:

• Mercury is silvery-white in appearance and forms droplets rather than spreading out like water.
• It is the only metal that is liquid at standard conditions for temperature and pressure.
• The melting point of mercury is -38.83°C, and its boiling point is 356.73°C.
• It has a density of approximately 13.5 g/cm³, making it over 13 times denser than water.

Chemical Properties:

• Mercury is relatively unreactive with air, water, and many acids, but it reacts with strong acids, halogens, and sulfur compounds.
• It forms amalgams with other metals, which makes it useful in various applications, especially in dentistry and in some types of thermometers.

Uses of Mercury Metal:

• Historically, mercury was used in various applications, including medicine, cosmetics, and alchemy.
• Thermometers: Mercury was commonly used in thermometers due to its high thermal expansion properties, but its use has decreased due to environmental concerns.
• Barometers: Mercury barometers are used to measure atmospheric pressure.
• Electrical Equipment: Mercury switches and relays were once used in electrical equipment, but they are being phased out due to environmental regulations.
• Dental Amalgams: Mercury is used in dental amalgams for filling cavities.
• Chemical Processes: Mercury is used in some chemical processes, such as in the production of chlorine and sodium hydroxide.
• Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining: In some regions, mercury is still used in gold extraction, posing significant environmental and health risks.

Production:

• Mercury is primarily obtained from cinnabar ore (mercury sulfide), which is roasted in air to release mercury vapor. The vapor is then condensed and purified to obtain liquid mercury.
• Other sources of mercury include mercury-containing ores and by-products of certain industrial processes.

Environmental Hazards:

• Environmental contamination occurs through various means, including industrial emissions, improper disposal of products containing mercury, and artisanal gold mining.
• Mercury pollution can bioaccumulate in organisms and magnify up the food chain, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.

Health Risks of Mercury:

• Mercury is highly toxic and can be absorbed through the skin, leading to systemic toxicity.
• Chronic exposure to mercury can result in kidney damage, nervous system disorders, skin discoloration, and other serious health issues.
• Physicians need to be vigilant and consider mercury poisoning in patients presenting with non-specific symptoms.

Policy Recommendations

• Larger, multi-centric studies are needed to understand the extent of chronic mercury poisoning and advocate for stricter regulations on cosmetics containing mercury.
• Policy makers and regulators are urged to take action to ban mercury-containing cosmetics and protect public health.

Sources:

Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.  Mercury metal, with its unique properties and historical significance, has played various roles in human civilization. Critically Analyse. (250 Words)