A cluster of lead poisoning among consumers of Ayurvedic medicine
Authors
Laura Breeher
Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
Marek Mikulski
Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
Thomas Czeczok
Roy J. and Lucille Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
Kathy Leinenkugel
Iowa Department of Public Health, Des Moines, IA, USA
Laurence Fuortes
Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
Keywords:
Ayurvedic medicine, Complementary and alternative medicine, Lead toxicity, Mercury toxicity, Public health response
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.
Objectives
To report on a cluster of lead and mercury toxicity cases in 2011 among a community of adherents of traditional medical practice of Ayurveda.
Methods
Adherents of Ayurveda were offered heavy metals screening following the identification of the index case.
Results
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.
Conclusions
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.
Keywords: Ayurvedic medicine, Complementary and alternative medicine, Lead toxicity, Mercury toxicity, Public health response
Author Biography
Laura Breeher, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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