There is more to lead poisoning than lead paint

There is more than peeling paint on homes from 1978 that causes lead poisoning

Common Sources of Lead Exposure in Infants

1. Household Paint and Dust
2. • Older homes (built before 1978 in the U.S.) may have lead-based paint.
   • As the paint peels or is disturbed during renovations, babies may ingest lead dust by touching surfaces or crawling on the floor and then putting fingers in their mouths.
2. Contaminated Soil
3. • Lead from old paint or gasoline can settle in soil near older houses or roadways.
   • Babies may swallow small amounts of soil while playing outdoors or through contaminated toys or shoes brought inside.
3. Water from Lead Pipes
4. • Lead plumbing, solder, or brass fixtures can leach lead into tap water.
   • Mixing baby formula or food with contaminated water is a major risk.
4. Imported Products
5. • Traditional remedies or cosmetics (e.g., azarcon, greta, surma, kohl).
   • Imported pottery, ceramics, or spices (some glazes and pigments contain lead).
   • Toys or jewelry—especially older or imported ones—may have lead-based paint or metal components.
5. Parental Occupation or Hobbies
6. • Parents working in construction, auto repair, metal recycling, or shooting ranges may bring home lead dust on clothing or shoes (“take-home” lead).
6. Contaminated Food Sources
7. • Lead can contaminate certain foods during production, storage, or packaging (e.g., imported candies, some herbal teas, or food stored in old containers).
   • Azarcon, Greta, Surma, and Kohl are traditional products used in some cultures for health, beauty, or religious reasons — but they are known to sometimes contain dangerously high levels of lead, which can cause poisoning in infants and adults alike.

   Here’s what each one is:

    Azarcon and Greta

   • Origin: Commonly found in some Mexican and Central/South American households.
   • Use: Traditionally used to treat stomach upset (empacho), teething, or digestive problems in children.
   • Appearance: Bright orange or yellow powders.
   • Lead Content: Often composed of lead tetroxide (Pb₃O₄)—a highly toxic lead compound.
   • Risk: Even a small amount can cause severe lead poisoning if ingested.

    Surma and Kohl

   • Origin: Popular in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and African cultures.
   • Use: Applied around the eyes for beauty, spiritual, or medicinal reasons (e.g., believed to improve eyesight or protect from the “evil eye”).
   • Appearance: Black or dark gray powder or paste.
   • Lead Content: Some traditional versions are made from lead sulfide (galena) and can contain extremely high lead levels.
   • Risk: Absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes—or accidentally swallowed when applied near the eyes of infants.

    Health Warning

   According to the CDC and FDA, these products are not safe for infants or pregnant women. Lead exposure from them can lead to:

   • Developmental delay
   • Brain and nervous system damage
   • Anemia and kidney damage
   • Seizures or, in extreme cases, death

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