The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is warning state residents to stop using some types of skin lightening products, after testing revealed that they may contain dangerous levels of mercury.

The implicated products were sold as skin lightening agents, although they may also be used as skin-smoothing products.

Alerts and fact sheets

FDA issues warning on skin-lightening products containing mercury
Stop using skin lightening products containing mercury
(includes translated materials in Hmong, Somali and Spanish)
Fact sheet for the general public: Choose Health, Avoid Skin Lightening
(includes translated materials in Hmong, Somali and Spanish)
Fact sheet for health care providers: Mercury poisoning from skin lightening products

Tested products

Skin Lightening Products Found to Contain Mercury, Hydroquinone and Steroids (PDF)
(Document contains images of tested products.)