Activists from the Ecowaste Coalition staged a demonstration at Plaza Sta. Cruz in Manila on Sunday, October 29, 2023, with a focus on raising awareness about the adverse consequences of using skin-lightening products that contain mercury.

The coalition’s members emphasized that mercury poses significant risks, potentially leading to skin damage, as well as detrimental effects on the brain and kidneys, while also contributing to environmental pollution.

The protesters united in their demand for a worldwide prohibition on cosmetics containing mercury, underscoring the importance of safeguarding both human health and the delicate ecosystem.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)