Chinese Skin Whitening Products with Mercury Beware

Chinese skin whitening products mercury-tainted

An NGO recently warned the public about the proliferation of Chinese skin whitening products containing the hazardous chemical Mercury. This is alarming since the products can be bought in several Chinese drugs stores and local health stores in the country. This has been an issue years ago but the government still failed to curtail the distribution of these unapproved and hazardous skin products in the market.

Mercury Contamination is Dangerous

According to Ecowaste Coalition,93% of the skin whitening products that they tested contains excessive amounts of Mercury. It is a toxic chemical. This chemical can cause or damage the nervous system and kidneys. It is also harmful to young children. According to health experts, ingestion or inhalation of Mercury can affect the normal development of the brain of the fetus or child.

The organization provided a list of skin whitening products that contains high levels of mercury to warn the public.

Undisclosed Skin Whitening Ingredients

The mercury tainted products are marketed as beauty products promising instant results. They usually promise lighter complexion and removal of facial scars, freckles and spots. These products contain ingredients that are also popular in the health and welness industry. Some also contain herbs which are noted for its skin whitening properties. But there are some companies that do not disclose the ingredients on their products labels.

However, it is usually during the production process where mercury contamination happens probably due to poor manufacturing processes and non-compliance to industry standards and regulations.

Philippine FDA Urged to Issue Warnings

Ecowaste coalition urged the Philippine FDA to issue warnings and conduct further test on these mercury tainted products to protect consumers. They also urge consumers who were victims of mercury-tainted products to come out. A product is considered dangerous if it contains more than 1 parts per million (ppm) of mercury.

Chinese Skin Whitening Products with High Levels of Mercury

Below is the list of skin whitening products which allegedly contain high levels of mercury. These were tested by the Ecowaste Coalition using the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer.

1.
Feique Whitening Anti-Freckle Cream
Manufacturer/distributor: GLDJB (Harbin) Cosmetics Ltd.,China
Cost: P60
Purchased: stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila
Mercury level: 16,000 ppm


2.
Feique Golden Aloe Whitening Anti-Scar, Anti Freckle Set
Manufacturer/distributor: GLDJB (Harbin) Cosmetics Ltd.,China
Cost: P60
Purchased: stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila
Mercury level: 25,000 ppm


3.
Feique Green Tea Vital Whitening Freckle-Removing Cream
Manufacturer/distributor: GLDJB (Harbin) Cosmetics Ltd.,China
Cost: P150
Purchased: stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila
Mercury level: 15,800 ppm


4.
Bai Li Tou Hong
Manufacturer/distributor: (not indicated in English)
Cost: P150
Purchased: stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall,Divisoria, Manila
Mercury level: 46,700 ppm


5.
Maidaifu Herbal Moisturizing and Whitening Cream
Manufacturer/distributor: (not indicated in English)
Cost: P180
Purchased: Stall IA-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila
Mercury level: 60,800 ppm


6.
Green Cucumber and Ginseng 6 Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Whitening Set
Manufacturer/distributor: Yudantang International, Taiwan
Cost: P120 Purchased: stall IR-24, 168Mall, Divisoria
Mercury level: 9,414 ppm


7.
Loreial Paris Anti-Freckle Cream Suit
Manufacturer/distributor: (not indicated on the label)
Cost: P120
Purchased: stall IB 2-4 999 Shopping Mall,Divisoria, Manila
Mercury level: 1,371 ppm


8.
Aichun Beauty Strongly WhiteningFreckle Series (3 in one)
Manufacturer/distributor: France Sasa (HK) International Group Ltd. / Livepro Beauty Cosmetics Co. Ltd., China
Cost: P98
Purchased: G2 Beauty Products, Villalobos St., Quiapo, Manila
Mercury level: 550 ppm


9.
"Special Cream" (double, label in Chinese)
Manufacturer/distributor: not indicated in English
Cost: P80
Purchased: stall G-162 Good Earth Mall, Bustos St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
Mercury level: 1,565 ppm


10.
"Special Cream" (single, label in Chinese)
Manufacturer/distributor: not indicated in English
Cost: P80
Purchased: Famous Chinese Drug Store, Recto Ave. near Rizal Ave., Sta. Cruz, Manila
Mercury level: 1,378 ppm


11.
Yudantang Ginseng and Ganoderma Lucidum 6 Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Whitening Sun Block Cream
Manufacturer/distributor: Yudantang International, Taiwan
Cost: P140
Purchased: Rose and Fujikura General Merchandise, Uni-Mec Supermarket, Guadalupe, Makati City
Mercury level: 31,300 ppm


12.
Aichun Beauty Green Tea Whitening Speckle Removing Series (3 in one)
Manufacturer/distributor: France Sasa (HK) International Group Ltd./Livepro Beauty Cosmetic Co. Ltd., China
Cost: P90
Purchased: G2 Beauty Products, Carriedo St., Quiapo, Manila
Mercury level: 1,250 ppm


13.
Aichun Beauty Pawpaw Whitening and Freckle Remover Series (3 in one)
Manufacturer/distributor: France Sasa (HK) International Group Ltd./Livepro Beauty Cosmetic Co. Ltd., China
Cost: P90
Purchased: G2 Beauty Products, Carriedo St., Quiapo, Manila
Mercury level: 867 ppm


If the Chinese government can impose strict sanctions on our banana exports and even ban the entry of the product in their country, why can't the Philippine government impose the same. Ban the importation of these hazardous health products.

Reasons Why Pacquiao Lost Title to Bradley

Pacquiao lost his WBO Welterweight title

It seems that all boxing fans in the world are in awe after the judges favored the undefeated Timothy Bradley over Manny Pacquiao in their not so exciting bout in Las Vegas. Many boxing aficionados are still looking for some answers why the pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao lost to Bradley.


Stats would show that Pacquiao dominated the fight. Pacquiao landed 253 punches of the 751 thrown while Bradley only landed 159 of his 839 punches. But how about the power punches? Pacquiao unleashed 190 power punches as compared to Bradley's 108.

Even if you are not an expert in boxing, you would surely know who the real winner is. Though Manny may not get a unanimous decision, a split decision should still favor him.

Here's how the judges scored:

Judge Jerry Roth (115-113) - Pacquiao
Judge CJ Ross (115-113) - Bradley
Judge Duane Ford (115-113) - Bradley

scorecard in the pacquiao-bradley fight

Is it Rigged?

Many speculated that the result was rigged. Anyway boxing is a game. Top Rank promoter Bod Arum said that the score is unfathomable. But there are other theories why Manny Pacquiao lost to Bradley.

Theory 1 - Pacquiao is maybe too pre occupied with his Bible studies that he failed to prepare well for the fight. Manny lost his stamina in the later rounds.

Theory 2 - The judges scored in favor for Bradley because they expect more from Pacquiao (maybe a knock-out), who is the world best fighter

Theory 3 - The result is scripted


There could be a possibility that the results were rigged to force a rematch. A rematch with Bradley would mean more income for the promoters and sponsors. It could lead to a trilogy just like what happened with Marquez. More fights, more money, more income. Since there is no viable fighter yet that would best fit against Pacquaio, it is just but right to have another match up with Bradley.

But all of these are speculations.

However, if some of these are true, then the Congressman from Sarangani should now think about his next option. He might be a victim of a dirty game ( some even hinted that Bob Arum has a hand in this). Just like politics in this country where losers become winners. It should be a lesson for him. Anyway, he is a politician. He should know better.

List of Congressmen Watching Pacquiao vs Bradley

Watching live Pacquiao vs Bradley

After the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, many of our Congressmen feels that it is time to take a long break from Congress. That includes watching Congressman Manny Pacquiao at Las Vegas, Nevada. The pound for pound king will be fighting the undefeated Timothy Bradley on Saturday, June 9.


Based on online reports, there are at least 40 Congressmen who already made ticket reservations in the Pacquiao vs Bradley fight.

According to House Speaker Sonny Belmonte, the Lower House will adjourn its second regular session this week. As a result, Congressmen who will be going to the US to watch Pacquiao vs Bradley fight will no longer be required to ask for travel authority.

Although there are more pressing issues and bills that should be tackled by these Congressmen, watching Manny Pacquiao live is more important to them. Of course, they would say that the best way to support Pacquiao in his latest fight is to be in the venue.

Let us hope that no public funds will be used by these Congressmen when they go to Las Vegas, Nevada.

I'll be updating this post to give you the names of Congressmen who will be watching Pacquiao vs Bradley in Las Vegas.

Nominees for Supreme Court Chief Justice

Chief Justice Supreme Court

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) will be convening next week to discuss the current vacant position in the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice position. The JBC is responsible for the selection of nominees in the Supreme Court. The meeting next week is expected to focus on how they will conduct the selection process since there is a clamor to make it public. Others also want JBC to enforce new rules and stringent rules in nominating the next Chief Justice of the Philippines.

Who are the Nominees for Chief Justice?

The 5 most senior Associate Justices are automatically nominated for the vacant position. And the most senior is Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio. Others in the list are Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Arturo Brion, Presbitero Velasco Jr. and Diosdado Peralta. But under the law, the JBC should also accept applications or nominations from outside of the Supreme Court. Several sources revealed that many allies of President Aquino might be nominated for the Chief Justice position.

One name that could be in the list in the nomination process is DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima. Though she admits she is still needed in the department but she also said that she will not refuse if nominated in the position.

Another possible candidate for the CJ position is BIR Commissioner Kim Henares. Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza is also being eyed for the position. The names of Senator Franklin Drilon and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano also came out. Other nominees or applicants may come out when the JBC meet next week.

Composition of the JBC

Ex officio chairman:
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

Ex officio members:
Secretary of Department of Justice
Representative of the Congress
Representative of the Integrated Bar
Retired member of the Supreme Court
Representative of the private sector

Qualification for the Chief Justice Position

To become a Supreme Court justice or Chief Justice, nominees must be natural born citizen of the Philippines. He or she must be practicing law in the country for at least 15 years or a judge in a court of record for at least 15 years.

As regards to age, a nominee should be at least 40 years old. The applicant should possess/show proven competence, probity, integrity and independence.

The vacancy in the Supreme Court should be filled within 90 days. The President will be choosing from the list of nominees short listed by the Judicial and Bar Council.


Update on the names of Chief Justice nominees:

outsiders:
1. Atty. Katrina Legarda
2. Solicitor-General Francis Jardeleza
3. Ateneo De Manila College of Law Dean Cesar Villanueva