New York bans beauty products containing mercury, a neurotoxin long used in cosmetics

A skin-lightening treatment being applied in Johannesburg, South Africa. The WHO says skin-lightening products are used worldwide, but their use is particularly widespread in many African, Asian and Caribbean countries. They're used by both men and women.

Mercury is found as an ingredient in skin-lightening creams marketed toward women of color, as well as in treatments meant to remove blemishes, age spots and wrinkles. [ more › ]