Consumers should not use face creams or skin-lightening products that contain "mercury," "mercurio," "mercuric," "mercurous," or "calomel."  If skin cream labels do not contain a listing of ingredients, consumers are also encouraged to stop using the product.  The material should be washed from the skin with soap and water.  Consumers who have concerns that they may have been exposed to mercury from these products should contact their health care provider.  Consumers who have face cream that they believe contains mercury should seal the jar in a plastic bag or leak-proof container and dispose of it in their household trash.  DHMH is not testing any product for mercury at this time. 

Consumers with questions may contact the Maryland Poison Center toll-free 24 hours a day at 1-800-222-1222; or the DHMH Center for Environmental Health and Community Services toll-free at 1-866-703-3266 Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. 

A fact sheet in English and Spanish on mercury-containing skin products can be found at