Dhaka, Sept. 13 -- The use of these creams may cause several skin problems as well as complications of the kidneys and nervous system, researchers have found.

The worrying scenario was highlighted at a workshop on harmful effects of mercury-added products on health and the environment at the National Press Club on Thursday. The event was jointly organised by the environment department and the environment and eco-social development organisation or ESDO.

The levels of mercury in most skin whiteners available in the local market are multiple times higher than the tolerable level of 1 part per million mercury or ppm.

"The market is abundant with mercury-added skin-whitening creams, putting public health and the environment at risk," said f...