The initiative will support a holistic approach to gradually eliminate harmful chemicals and promote the beauty of all skin tones.
Consumers are unaware of the risk
Skin lightening products inhibit the body’s production of melanin, the pigment that determines the color of skin, hair, and eyes.
They have been used around the world for years, by both men and women – not only to lighten skin, but to fade freckles, blemishes and age spots as well as treat acne.
However, many people are often unaware that these cosmetics may contain mercury. pose risks to human health and the environment.
Surname may cause skin rashes, discoloration and scarring, as well as damage to the nervous, digestive and immune systems, as well as anxiety and depression.
Exceeding
An international treaty called Minamata Convention has set the mercury limit in skin-lightening products to one milligram per kilogram.
UNEP cites a 2018 test of 300 products from 22 countries that found about 10% exceeded this limit, many of which contained 100 times the allowable amount.
The use of mercury in skin lightening products is a serious public health problem need urgent attention, speakSheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the agency’s Economic and Industrial Division.
“While governments have agreed to limit mercury use through the Minamata Convention, companies continue to manufacturing, trading, trading in hazardous products for consumers,” she commented.
Change harmful behavior
UNEP will lead the three-year project with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It will be implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI).
With demand expected to grow to $11.8 billion by 2026 – driven by a growing middle class in the Asia-Pacific region and changing demographics in Africa and Caribbean – the use of harmful chemicals in skin lightening products is a global problem.
“This initiative makes a lot of sense because it focuses not just about substitution for harmful ingredients, but on Building awareness can help change behavior Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and President of the GEF said.
Skin-lightening products aren’t just risky for the user. UNEP says children can be exposed through breast milk and the food chain can become contaminated when cosmetics are washed into wastewater.
This compound can also move far away from where it is dispersed and accumulate in soil, water and soil without breaking down.
Raise awareness
Dr Annette Prüss, Acting Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health at the UN agency said WHO has called for urgent action on mercury as one of the top chemicals of concern. concern for public health.
“The health effects of mercury have been known for centuries but more people should be aware by nowShe added.
The project will bring the three countries together to align their cosmetics policies with best practices, creating an environment conducive to mercury phasing out.
Changing cultural norms
Attempting to change broader cultural norms about complexion is another goal, which will be addressed through the involvement of organizations, healthcare professionals, and influencers. work in this field.
Sema Jonsson, founder of the Pantheon of Women Who Inspire, which co-sponsored the project, said the organization wants people to admire and be proud of their natural skin tone.
“We need a new ideal to follow, one to be equated with humanity and not the fairness of one’s skin.”
