Kenyan regulators must act on River Road’s bleaching business

Skin-lightening products are openly sold in shops and stalls along River Road in Nairobi despite potential health risks. Diane Onditi says some contain mercury, potent corticosteroids or unsafe concentrations of hydroquinone, which can cause skin damage, infections and harm to the kidneys or nervous system. She urges the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, the Kenya Bureau of Standards, county health departments and customs authorities to coordinate inspections, laboratory testing and product tracking, including for online sales. Non-compliant products should be withdrawn promptly and those responsible held accountable.