The state of Minnesota is the first to introduce a ban on mercury as an ingredient in mascara, eyeliners and skin-lightning creams.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. John Marty, will have to be respected by manufacturers starting with January 1.

Marty said mercury can cause neurological damage to adults even in tiny quantities. Mercury can also lead to retard brain in children and fetuses, who are most vulnerable to the metal’s toxic effects.

"Every source of mercury adds to it. We wanted to make sure it wasn't here," he said according to the MSNBC.

Many cosmetics manufacturers, including John Bailey, chief scientist with the Personal Care Products Council in Washington, have already expressed that levels of mercury in makeup are too small to cause health problems. Mercury is still allowed under federal law to some eye products as a preservative and germ killer, but Minnesota legislators are saying even a little is too much.

"It's very toxic. Consumers don't want to be exposed to toxic agents unnecessarily," said Elizabeth Wattenberg of the University of Minnesota.

Minnesota health officials will fine with $700 any seller who would knowingly sell cosmetics that contain mercury. Moreover, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency warned makeup manufacturers they would be fined with $10,000 if they failed to disclose mercury on product labels.

Minnesota health officials say they introduced the ban hoping that other states will follow its example, forcing the federal government to introduce the ban nationwide.