Despite their high mercury levels, none of the patients had any major abnormalities on physical examination or laboratory testing. However, many had early symptoms of mercury poisoning, such as headache, weakness, mood changes, and dizziness. Mercury levels decreased once the patients stopped using the beauty cream. However, even after several months, their average mercury level remained above the safe limit. The implicated product contained six to ten percent calomel, also known as mercurous chloride.
Mercury can enter the body through the skin, by mouth, or by inhalation.
Testing revealed elevated mercury levels in family members who didn't use the beauty cream themselves, suggesting they were exposed by inhalation of mercury vapors. There is no way to tell how many residents of states bordering Mexico may have used the contaminated beauty cream. The study included only uninsured Arizona residents seen at a public health clinic. Crema de Belleza Manning has been removed from the U.S. market. Cheryl McRill, MD, PhD, et.