Citation

Gras G, Mondain J. Toxicol. Eur. Res. 1981; 3(4): 175-178.

Vernacular Title

Problème posé par l'utilisation des cosmétiques mercuriels au Sénégal.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1981, Editions Ouranos)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7302943

Abstract

The use of skin-lightening preparations appears to be a problem for the coloured women in Africa as well as for the Black People in general. The mercurial creams occupy a place of choice into the most useful products for the skin depigmentation. An epidemiological study from twenty senegalese women using mercurials cosmetics has permitted to determine a mean value of 155,75 +/- 75,38 ppm Hg in scalp hair while the normal level is less than 10 ppm. An experimental study was realised with monkeys (Papio papio) treated with a soap containing mercuric biiodide. This study has shown, after only three months of experimentation, a significative augmentation of mercury levels in all the organs and specially in the kidneys and the hair.

Language: fr