QC Bans Mercury-Laden Skin Whiteners Ahead of 2020 Global Phase-Out Deadline (Groups Laud Approval of QC Ordinance Banning Mercury-Containing Skin Whitening Products)

To protect the public from mercury exposure, the government of Quezon City – the largest city in Metro Manila and the most populous city in the Philippines -  has taken a bold action to crack down on dangerous skin whitening cosmetics laden with mercury, a highly toxic chemical.

Through Ordinance No. 2767, business and commercial establishments, as well as street, “tiangge” and online vendors, are forbidden from manufacturing, distributing and selling cosmetics containing mercury above the one part per million (ppm) limit set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in line with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive.

The ordinance introduced by Councilor Elizabeth A. Delarmente and subsequently co-introduced by 32 other councilors was filed on July 10, 2018.  It was enacted on October 8 at a session presided over by Vice Mayor Ma. Josefina G. Belmonte and approved on November 19 by Mayor Herbert M. Bautista.

Cosmetics, including skin lightening creams and soaps, with mercury content above 1 ppm, are targeted for global phase-out by 2020 under the Minamata Convention on Mercury,  which the Philippines has signed but not yet ratified.  

“We laud the Quezon City Government for cracking down on the illegal trade of mercury-containing creams, lotions and soaps that are marketed to lighten the skin color and fix skin woes.  We’re happy to have provided the City Council with relevant information justifying a clampdown on such dangerous products through our active presence in several committee meetings,” said Thony Dizon, Chemical Safety Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.

“The enactment of this ordinance, I hope, will draw much-needed action to realize the scheduled phase-out by 2020 of mercury-added products such as skin lightening cosmetics with mercury above 1 ppm.  National and local governments should take notice of Quezon City’s progressive ordinance and consider adopting similar measures to protect consumer health against mercury in cosmetics,” said Lee Bell, Mercury Policy Adviser of IPEN, a global NGO network advancing on-the-ground efforts to implement the mercury treaty.   

As noted in the ordinance’s introductory text, “mercury use in cosmetic products can have adverse effects, including skin rashes, discoloring and scarring, and can reduce skin’s resistance to bacterial and mycotic skin disorders, and can cause damage to the brain, nervous system and kidneys.”

The ordinance lists three prohibited acts, namely:

a.  The manufacture, importation, marketing and promotion, distribution and sale of cosmetics with mercury content in excess of 1 ppm.
b.  The sale, wholesale or retail, of cosmetics that have not been authorized by the FDA and/or have not complied with the labeling requirements.
c.  The open dumping, open burning and/or disposal of banned, recalled and/or confiscated mercury-containing cosmetics along with regular solid waste.    

The ordinance provides for the following penalties:  a fine of P2,000 and confiscation of banned cosmetic products for the first offense; a fine of P3,000 and suspension to operate business for the second offense; and a fine of P5,000, imprisonment of 30 days or cancellation of business license, or both, at the discretion of the court.

Additionally, all those convicted by the court shall be required to render 30-day community service to be determined by the local government authorities concerned.

As provided for in the ordinance, the City Health Department (CHD) will take the lead to ensure its strict implementation. 

The CHD was tasked to coordinate with Quezon City’s Public Affairs and Information Services Office (PAISO), Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), and Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD), as well as with FDA, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other relevant city and national agencies and offices for the implementation of the ordinance.

The CHD in cooperation with PAISO and EPWMD was also directed to conduct a wide information and education campaign regarding the ordinance with the assistance of concerned government agencies and non-government organizations.

-end-

Comments

Md.Riday Khan said…
In unserem Bestreben, unseren Kunden und Patienten unkomplizierte professionelle Service- und Gesundheitsvorteile zu bieten, ist die Abteilung für Krankenhaus und klinische Pharmazie mit serviceorientierten, motivierten und hochqualifizierten Apotheken ausgestattet. Die Arzneimittel werden nach eingehender Prüfung durch die zuständige Pharmazie- und Therapieausschussstelle des Krankenhauses beschafft und gelagert und gemäß internationalen Spezifikationen gelagert.
Die Patienten dürfen sich frei mit Apothekern in Bezug auf die ordnungsgemäße Verwendung von Medikamenten austauschen. Dosierung, Verabreichungsweg, Nebenwirkungen, Vorsichtsmaßnahmen, und es ist die Hauptaufgabe des ausschreibenden Apothekers, den Patienten oder den Pfleger in allen Aspekten der medikamentösen Therapie zu beraten.
Wir bieten auch die Dienste von Clinical Pharmacist für die spezielle Beratung von Patienten und außerhalb an. Ein gut ausgestattetes Drogeninformationszentrum, das von einem klinischen Apotheker besetzt ist, ist eine Informationsquelle zu jedem Aspekt der Medikation und ihrer Verwendung. Der klinische Apotheker führt die Beurteilung und Auswahl von Arzneimitteln, die Sicherheitsbewertung und das Management der Medikationstherapie durch, um die Patienten optimal aufeinander abzustimmen und eine optimale Therapie zu gewährleisten.Forschungschemikalien kaufen
Alex21 said…
ty for post
Alex21 said…
很多人都在通过各种渠道了解Python,其中也包括Python代写,既然Python这么火爆,那么Python应该怎样才能入门呢?大多数人在学习未知内容的初始阶段都会通过看工具书的方式,来对这门新知识进行初步的了解,学习Python也不例外,可以买几本Python入门的教材先初步了解一下自己是否真正对Python感兴趣,随后再决定下一步的学习计划。如果是真正喜欢Python这门语言,那么在学习Python的过程中也能收获到很多乐趣和成就感,而这些乐趣和成就感也能在很大程度上刺激自己的学习动力,让自己在不断进步的节奏中学习,更能让自己在Python领域走的更远。
Amazing post. Consult with an expert doctor, click the link HydraFacial in East Delhi
Shannon Mackle said…
I was too curious and wanted to try Robinson buckler then i contacted him through his email, he assured me 100% that he will heal me, i pleaded with him to help me out. My experience with him was great, he healed me just as he promised. he sent me his medication and ask me to go for a medical check up after two weeks of usage. i agreed with him i took this medication and went for a check up, to my greatest surprise my result was negative, i am really happy that i am cured and healthy again. I have waited for 3weeks to be very sure i was completely healed before writing this testimony. I did another blood test one week ago and it was still Herpes negative. so i guess its time i recommend anyone going through the same way. reach him through his email address: Robinson.buckler @{{ yahoo }}. com.
Top论文网 said…
根据国际留学生的反馈,约有75%的学生表示在学术写作方面遇到了困难。其中,论文写作被认为是最具挑战性的一项任务。然而,Essay代写可以为他们提供定制化的学术写作帮助,以适应不同学科和学术要求。这些论文代写http://www.12y.org/服务通常由经验丰富的专业写手组成,他们具备丰富的学术背景和写作经验,可以为留学生提供高质量的论文,帮助他们克服学术难题。
harperpaul said…
This blog not only celebrates QC's progressive stance but also underscores the significance of global cooperation in phasing out hazardous substances from consumer products. It serves as a call to action for other regions and industries to prioritize public health and environmental well-being in their policies and regulations.
divorce lawyers spotsylvania va
PG SLOT said…
สล็อต pg ทาง เข้า slot ทาง เข้า เว็บแตกง่าย สมัครเล่นวันนี้แจกฟรี ยินดีต้อนรับทุนท่านไปสู่จักรวาลที่สุด PG SLOT แสนจะท้าทายที่พร้อมจะพาคุณไปเปิดประตูสู่ความร่ำรวยอย่างมากมาย