Lead Poisoning in Children Associated with Tamarind Candy and Folk Remedies

Lead poisoning affects children adversely worldwide. In the United States, elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) (>10 µg/dL) result primarily from exposure to lead-based paint or from associated lead-contaminated dust and soil; however, other sources of lead exposure, including folk remedies, Mexican terra cotta pottery, and certain imported candy, also have been associated with elevated BLLs in children (1).

This report describes some cases in California of lead poisoning from atypical sources. Health-care providers should be aware of the potential hazards of certain food products, and community members should be educated about potential sources of lead poisoning for children.

Cases 1 and 2. In March 1999, two Hispanic children residing in Stanislaus County in the Central Valley, a boy aged 4 years and his sister aged 6 years, were identified during routine screening by California's Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program. The boy had a BLL of 88.0 g/dL and the girl a BLL of 69.0 µg/dL. Both children underwent chelation therapy. Their parents had not traveled recently outside the United States but had used greta, a Mexican folk remedy (taken commonly for stomachache or intestinal illness) that usually contains high levels of lead. No pottery in the home tested positive for lead, and tests on paint and dust from their home did not indicate high lead levels. Greta powder collected from the family's home had 770,000 parts per million (ppm) of lead, and miniblinds on the windows of the home tested positive for lead by swab. Imported candies, including Dulmex-brand Bolirindo lollipops, which were identified later to be contaminated with lead, were found in the home.

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see also:

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Lead poisoning? Trust Weitz and Luxenberg to handle your case.