According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 310,000 U.S. children between ages 1-5 have lead levels above which public health should intervene (10 ug/dl). It is now believed than even lower levels than10 ug/dl are associated with long term cognitive effects. Houses built before 1978 contain some lead paint. In addition, traditional medicines may have lead and other metals thought to be helpful in treating disorders. Sometimes lead gets into the folk medicine during its preparation. Some examples listed by the CDC are:
Greta and Azarcon (also known as alarcon, coral, luiga, maria luisa, or rueda) are Hispanic traditional remedies taken for an upset stomach (empacho), constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and used on teething babies. Greta and Azarcon are both fine orange powders that have a lead content as high as 90%.
Ghasard, an Indian folk remedy, has also been found to contain lead. It is a brown powder used as a tonic.
Ba-baw-san is a Chinese herbal remedy that contains lead. It is used to treat colic pain or to pacify young children.
Daw Tway is a digestive aid used in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma). Analysis of Daw Tway samples showed them to contain as much as 970 parts per million (ppm) of lead. The Daw Tway samples also contained high arsenic levels, as great as 7,100 ppm.
A blood test is the most common way to detect levels of lead in a child though stores of lead remain elevated in the bones. It is recommended that a blood test be routinely obtained for all children around age 1 and even more frequently (starting at age 6 months- once a child is mobile till age 6) for those at higher risk (e.g. poor, older home, relative with high lead levels, certain occupations of parents).
Here are some useful links:
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/Recalls/allhazards.htm for recalls of items including toys with lead.
No comments:
Post a Comment