LOCAL LEAD POISONING LINKED TO COSMETIC PRODUCT -- 2.18.2013
Columbus Public Health – Consumer Alert
For Thursday, February 28
LOCAL LEAD POISONING LINKED TO COSMETIC PRODUCT
Residents Should Discard Hashmi Surma Kohl Eyeliner Suspected in Poisoning
COLUMBUS – Columbus Public Health received a report of a 1-year-old male child diagnosed with high lead blood levels. After an investigation into the source of the lead, it was discovered that the child had been exposed to the cosmetic product Hashmi Surma Kohl Eyeliner.
Residents are advised to discard of this product immediately.
The product contained the color additive kohl. Also known as al-kahl, kajal, or surma, kohl is used in some parts of the world to enhance the appearance of the eyes, but it is unapproved for cosmetic use in the United States. Kohl consists of salts of heavy metals, such as antimony and lead. A sample of this particular product tested as being 62% lead.
Columbus Public Health is continuing to monitor the health of the child. We are also collaborating with our partners at the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration.
Columbus Public Health recommends the following tips to consumers:
- Stop using this product immediately.
- Immediately wash your hands and any other body parts that may have come into contact with this product. Wash exposed household surfaces with soap and hot water.
- Be sure to keep this product away from children.
- Put the remaining product in a sealable container or plastic bag.
- Do NOT discard the product by washing it down your sink or flushing it down your toilet. Instead, dispose of the sealed product in your regular household trash.
- Contact your health care provider to be tested for lead poisoning if you are concerned that you have been exposed.
“The main source of lead poisoning in the U.S. is lead-based paint; however, other sources are being identified all the time,” said Medical Director Dr. Mysheika Williams Roberts. “Many people are still unaware that imported products such as cosmetics, spices, candy, health remedies, pottery and jewelry can be a dangerous source for adults and children.”
Lead is highly toxic, can damage nearly every system in the human body, and is particularly dangerous to children 6 years old and younger. Columbus Public Health works to prevent and identify lead poisoning through childhood lead testing and medical follow-up services, and interventions to eliminate lead exposure.
For more information, please visit:
Ohio Department of Health
http://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhprograms/cfhs/lead_ch/infoparents.aspx
Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/ProductInformation/ucm137250.htm
Columbus Public Health
www.publichealth.columbus.gov
-30-