title: [The problem of the use of mercurials cosmetics in Senegal (author's transl)].
abstract: The use of skin-lightening preparations appears to be a problem for the coloured women in Africa as well as for the Black People in general. The mercurial creams occupy a place of choice into the most useful products for the skin depigmentation. An epidemiological study from twenty senegalese women using mercurials cosmetics has permitted to determine a mean value of 155,75 +/- 75,38 ppm Hg in scalp hair while the normal level is less than 10 ppm. An experimental study was realised with monkeys (Papio papio) treated with a soap containing mercuric biiodide. This study has shown, after only three months of experimentation, a significative augmentation of mercury levels in all the organs and specially in the kidneys and the hair.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000032:analysis / Q000506:poisoning*; D006801:Humans; D007454:Iodides; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D017669:Mercury Compounds; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000209:etiology*; D010215:Papio; D012675:Senegal
chemical_list: D003358:Cosmetics; D007454:Iodides; D017669:Mercury Compounds; D008628:Mercury; C025718:mercuric iodide, red
vernacular_title: Problème posé par l'utilisation des cosmétiques mercuriels au Sénégal.