Bleaching Causes Kidney Disease ― FDA Warns

Ghanaians have been cautioned against toning the colour of their skin with bleaching chemicals as it is harmful to their health.

Research has shown that people, who bleach their skin with cosmetics that contain Hydroquinone, can suffer kidney disease.

Hydroquinone, which is mainly used to bleach human skin, can also cause other ailments such as liver disease, skin cancer, infections and many more.

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has consequently banned cosmetics that contain Hydroquinone, a dangerous chemical, from the country.

Mr. Emmanuel Nkrumah, Head of Cosmetics and Household Chemical at the FDA, who made the disclosure, warned the public to stay away from the chemical.

According to him, the FDA has realized that cosmetic products that are filled with even one percent of Hydroquinone can adversely affect human health.

Speaking in an interaction with selected journalist in Kumasi recently, the FDA senior officer warned pregnant women to desist from bleaching their skin, since it can have very damaging consequences on their unborn babies.

According to Nkrumah, the FDA had imposed the ban way back in 2016, adding that traders in cosmetic products with Hydroquinone have been directed to take them away from the market.

He said the authority has intensified the ban and hinted that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.

Urging the public not to toy with the directive, Nkrumah hinted that offenders could either go to jail for five years, pay a fine of GH¢72,000, or both.

By: Afia Sarpong Amankwa/ thePublisher