1 week ago
7
THE MINISTRY of Health and Wellness (MOHW), in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), has taken an important step in addressing the harmful effects of mercury in skin lightening products (SLPs).
Through two targeted workshops, healthcare workers (HCWs) from across Jamaica were trained to identify and communicate the dangers associated with mercury-containing SLPs, in support of national and global public health goals.
The first of the two workshops was held in April, in Montego Bay, engaging 62 healthcare workers. A second session followed in July, in Kingston, where 70 additional participants were trained. In total, 132 healthcare workers, representing all 14 parishes and all regional health authorities across the island, were equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to raise awareness on this health issue.
Participants at the workshops included a diverse group of health professionals, such as health promotion officers, public health nurses and inspectors, nurse managers, medical officers of health, public health physicians, and community health aides. The sessions focused on the health hazards of mercury exposure, particularly from the use of skin-lightening products during pregnancy, and the associated risks to vulnerable populations, including children and unborn babies.
Mercury-containing skin lightening products are hazardous to health and as a result have been banned in many countries. Even in some countries where such products have been banned, they are still advertised and available to consumers via the Internet and other means.
Skin lightening is the use of chemicals to reduce the amount of melanin in the skin, resulting in a lighter skin complexion. The skin lightening phenomenon in Jamaica is believed to be a legacy of British colonialism, where there was social discrimination based on skin complexion. Individuals with light coloured skin were portrayed as more beautiful and wealthier than persons with dark coloured skin.
The skin bleaching trend is perpetuated by the influence of mass media and popular culture, which shows light coloured skin as an ideal preference of beauty. Most skin lightening products are only intended to be used for a short period of time, mainly for the gradual fading of dark spots due to acne, freckles and skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Skin lightening or skin bleaching is a public health concern in countries where these products are popular, such as Jamaica, as skin lightening products may contain toxic substances such as hydroquinone, steroids and mercury. Mercury exists in three forms: elemental, inorganic and organic. The inorganic form of mercury may be an added ingredient in cosmetics. However, recent reports have shown that methylmercury is also sometimes added to skin lightening products. Melanin is responsible for skin colour.
Dark-skinned people have more melanin than light-skinned people. Inorganic mercury is added to skin lightening products to inhibit the formation of melanin. Furthermore, inorganic mercury may be absorbed into the skin through the sweat glands and hair follicles. The use of products containing inorganic mercury can cause topical damage to the skin, kidneys, and nervous system.
Long-term exposure to inorganic mercury may also result in irritability, muscle weakness, memory loss and kidney failure. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age (18-44 years old) are of particular concern regarding mercury exposure because they can transfer mercury to their child.
As part of the training, participants received orientation and access to practical educational materials designed to support public health awareness campaigns and health education strategies. Those in attendance reported increased confidence in their ability to educate communities on the toxicity of mercury in SLPs.
The workshops form part of a broader strategy by the MOHW to reduce exposure to harmful substances through daily lifestyle practices. They reflect the ministry’s continued commitment to improving health and wellness, upholding the principles of the Minamata Convention, and advancing Jamaica’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
The next phase of this important project will focus on scaling up awareness initiatives, guided by the trained HCWs and supported by a developed toolkit.
In addition, further work aims to enhance national capacity for product testing, regulation, and knowledge management, as well as reduce or eliminate the production, trade, and distribution of mercury-containing SLPs in Jamaica.
Continued intersectoral collaboration and community engagement will therefore be key, as the ministry works to eliminate these products from the Jamaican market and promote safer, healthier practices among the public.
English (US) ·