"Excessive mercury is very harmful to the nervous system and the kidneys," Chan said.
High doses of mercury are associated with sight or hearing loss and hand tremors as well as personality changes, anxiety, insomnia, memory loss, progressing to cerebral palsy and potentially fatal kidney failure.
But since the outbreak in 2002, Chan said Hong Kong's public was now more aware of the problems that skin-whitening products could cause.
Reassuringly for those looking for a creamy complexion in Hong Kong, a 2002 Consumer Council study found 32 skin-whitening products tested all passed the safety requirement on mercury and lead content.
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