Skin bleaching in Africa is not a new beauty phenomenon. The practice has its roots in the transatlantic slave trade and continued during the European colonization of African nations. Skin bleaching and the use of hazardous and potent substances have been linked to a range of adverse effects, from skin diseases to serious systemic problems such as diabetes, hypertension and renal diseases. Skin bleaching has become a public health concern, even though the importation and marketing of skin-bleaching products are banned or strictly regulated in many countries. Africans continue to bleach their skin despite the known risk of negative side effects. According to reports, skin bleaching for cosmetic purposes is most widespread in African women. This fact sheet provides the status of skin bleaching in Africa.
The overall goal of the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership is to protect human health and the environment from the releases of mercury.