Consumer Product Testing Services

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), over the past few years, FDA and state health officials have discovered numerous products that contain mercury. Unfortunately, there have also been cases in which people exposed to these products have had mercury poisoning or elevated levels of mercury in their bodies.

Many of these products are marketed as skin lighteners and anti-aging treatments that remove age spots, freckles, blemishes, and wrinkles. Adolescents may also be using these products as acne treatments. FDA reports that these products are usually manufactured abroad and sold illegally in the United States, often in shops catering to the Latino, Asian, African, or Middle Eastern communities. They are frequently promoted online on social media sites and sold through mobile apps. Consumers may also have bought them in another country and brought them back to the U.S. for personal use.

FDA warns that if the words mercurous chloride, calomel, mercuric, mercurio, or mercury are listed on the label, mercury is in it and consumers should stop using the product immediately. The agency also warns that if the ingredients aren’t listed and there is no product label, don’t assume it is fine. Federal law requires that ingredients be listed on the label of any cosmetic or nonprescription drug, so do not use a product that doesn’t have a label. In addition, don’t use drugs or cosmetics labeled in languages other than English unless English labeling is also provided. That is also a sign that the product may be marketed illegally.

“Mercury is never allowed by the FDA in drugs or in cosmetics, except under very specific conditions where there are no other safe and effective preservatives available,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Consumers, importers, and retailers need to be aware of potential risks associated with some imported skin care products. To help in these efforts, EMSL Analytical offers cosmetic, consumer product, and environmental testing services for mercury, methylmercury, and many other substances. These tests are available to importers, retailers, consumers, health professionals, and public health agencies.”

To learn more about mercury or other consumer product, material, environmental, health or safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.