Beauty Forum Feb23 - Flipbook - Page 31
ces to fight damaging
ractices
UNEP Industry and Economy Division Director
Sheila Aggarwal-Khan said the use of mercury in
skin lightening products was a serious public health
issue in need of urgent attention.
“While Governments have agreed limitations on
mercury use through the Minamata Convention,
companies continue to manufacture, trade and sell
toxic products to consumers”, she said. “UNEP is
proud to work with these three countries, as well as
a passionate set of co-financing partners to
transform the industry.”
“WHO calls for urgent action on mercury as one of
the top chemicals of public health concern. The
health impacts of mercury have been known for
centuries but more people should become aware
now,” said Dr Annette Prüss, Acting Director, WHO
Department of Environment, Climate Change and
Health.
“Countries should urgently act to take legal action
against harmful practices so that this dangerous
Mercury is a hidden and
toxic ingredient in skin
lightening creams
element is eliminated from skin lightening products
that people use every day.”
The three-year project will bring the countries
together to align their policies on the cosmetic
sector with best practice, creating an enabling
environment to phase out mercury and attempting
to shift broader cultural norms on skin complexion
through engaging organisations, healthcare
professionals and influencers working in the field.
Sema Jonsson, founder of project co-financier the
Pantheon of Women Who Inspire, said the
organisation wanted people to admire and be
proud of their natural skin tone.
“We are all beautiful,” Jonsson said. “Not in spite of
our skin but because of it.” “We need a new ideal to
follow, one which is equated with humanity and not
the fairness of one’s skin.”
