Journal article
A cluster of lead poisoning among consumers of Ayurvedic medicine
International journal of occupational and environmental health, Vol.21(4), pp.303-307
10/02/2015
DOI: 10.1179/2049396715Y.0000000009
PMCID: PMC4727589
PMID: 25843124
Abstract
Use of alternative medications and herbal remedies is widespread in the United States and across the globe. These traditional medications can be contaminated with toxic metals. Despite several case reports of poisoning from such contamination, the epidemiological data are still limited.
To report on a cluster of lead and mercury toxicity cases in 2011 among a community of adherents of traditional medical practice of Ayurveda.
Adherents of Ayurveda were offered heavy metals screening following the identification of the index case.
Forty-six of 115 participants (40%) had elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) of 10 μg/dl or above, with 9.6% of BLLs at or above 50 μg/dl.
This is the largest cluster of lead and mercury toxicity following use of Ayurvedic supplements described in the literature in the US. Contamination of herbal products is a public health issue of global significance. There are few regulations addressing contamination of "natural" products or supplements.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- A cluster of lead poisoning among consumers of Ayurvedic medicine
- Creators
- Laura Breeher - University of IowaMarek A. Mikulski - University of IowaThomas Czeczok - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicineKathy Leinenkugel - Iowa Department of Public HealthLaurence J. Fuortes - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- International journal of occupational and environmental health, Vol.21(4), pp.303-307
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- DOI
- 10.1179/2049396715Y.0000000009
- PMID
- 25843124
- PMCID
- PMC4727589
- ISSN
- 1077-3525
- eISSN
- 2049-3967
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 10/02/2015
- Academic Unit
- Occupational and Environmental Health; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984363579802771
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