were later discontinued when the compound's toxicity was discovered. It has also found uses in cosmetics as soaps and skin lightening creams, but these preparations are now illegal to manufacture or import in many countries including the US, Canada, Japan and the European Union. A study of workers involved in the production of these preparations showed that the sodium salt of 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid (DMPS) was effective in lowering the body burden of mercury and in decreasing the urinary mercury concentration to normal levels. References External links International Chemical Safety Card 0984 National Pollutant Inventory - Mercury and compounds Fact Sheet NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards Mercury(I) compounds Chlorides Metal halides Alchemical substances Obsolete pesticides Laxatives Diuretics Luminescent minerals