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Skin bleaching creams are supposed to be good for your skin. But according to a recent investigation published in the Chicago Tribune newspaper, certain skin care products could cause a variety of problems for various organs, especially your kidneys.

The Tribune did an independent investigation of dozens of skin bleaching creams and lotions  and found that they contained what the newspaper called “toxic” levels of mercury. The results were published in mid-May, 2010 .

The products are designed to be used for lightening freckles and age spots.

Mercury must be used carefully on humans because it can cause big trouble for a variety of organs including the heart, lungs, and brain. Kidney problems, possibly leading to kidney failure, is among the biggest threats .

High levels of mercury can enter the body after being spread on the skin. The level of danger varies according to BMI or Body Mass Index and a number of other factors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers more than one gram of mercury per kilogram (2.2 pounds) to be excessive.  Doses above the maximum limit can cause life-threatening illnesses. Small doses can build up over the course of months or even years, creating long term ill-effects .

Mercury can cause eye problems, blurred vision and trouble walking. It can cause organs to malfunction, and in certain cases, result in death. Mercury can be especially dangerous for the fetuses of pregnant women, infants and toddlers.

Mercury has been illegal for use in skin care products since 1990 when it was banned by the Food and Drug Administration. The Tribune’s investigation revealed that products are readily available nonetheless. The FDA told the Tribune that it has less than 500 inspectors who can investigate imported products, making it possible for some products to slip through the regulatory cracks .

Approximately 50 skin cream samples were sent to to an independent lab for testing. Six contained levels of mercury that were highre than legal limits in the U.S. Five out of six  had levels of 6,000 parts per million of mercury, which is sufficient to cause kidney damage .

The products were imported to the U.S. from Lebanon, China, India, Pakistan and Taiwan

One Chicago dermatologist, Dr. Jonith Breadon, said he was “shocked and speechless” that products with such high mercury content in them are so readily available.

Retailers who had the creams and lotions in stock and promised to remove them. Two companies that were distributing the products say they will no longer do so.

Freckles and age spot lighteners have become big sellers in the United States in the past few years. Sales have been high among Asian, Hispanic and African-American ethnic groups. Sales are expected to go above 75 million annually by 2015.

Among the other creams and lotions tested by the Tribune, the highest levels  of mercury were found in a product called Stillman’s Skin Bleach Cream. Other products identified by the Tribune  included Top-Gel MCA Extra Pearl Cream, Creme Diana CTR, Ling Ji Su, Lulanjina, and Shabright Clear and Bright Skin Formula.

A number of popular skin care products tested by the Tribune contained no mercury at all.

Several doctors who were contacted by the Tribune said that anyone who wants a safe skin lightening cream can get one by prescription. They also pointed out that such creams be used only for lightening spots and freckles, not for bleaching skin that is naturally dark.

The author of this article, George McKenzie, is a former TV news anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host.