LITARGIRIO Traditional Remedy Contains Dangerous Levels of Lead

[Guest guest]

Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2003 11:53:55 -0400

From: Bruce <banderso@...>

Subject: FYI: Lead source

Received a note about a child that had developed increased lead levels associated with use of this product from another listserv. Yet another source of exposure to lead that clinicians should be aware of, particularly those that interact with Spanish-speaking folks.

Enclosed is the text of the press release from the Rhode Island Department of Health.

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For: Immediate Release

Date: June 30, 2003

Contact: J. Marshall, Ph.D. 401-222-1017

HEALTH ALERT

HEALTH Warns RI Residents about Use of " LITARGIRIO "

Traditional Remedy Contains Dangerous Levels of Lead

Today the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) warned the public not to use LITARGIRO, a yellow or peach-colored powder manufactured by Roldan, Ferreira and other laboratories in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The powder, used as a traditional remedy, particularly by people from that country, contains nearly 80 per cent lead-a toxic substance that can cause permanent neurological damage in children.

HEALTH first learned about this product in connection with a child undergoing treatment for lead poisoning. The lead in the child's blood continued to climb, up to more than four times the allowable level, even after abating household sources and providing medical treatment. When health officials looked for other sources of lead, they discovered that the family used LITARGIRIO as a childhood anti-perspirant/deodorant. Consumers also use the product as a traditional remedy for treating fungus on the feet and for burns.

HEALTH staff easily purchased several packages of the product in local convenience and specialty stories catering to Spanish-speaking customers-particularly those from the Dominican Republic.

HEALTH advises the public to:

* Stop all use of this product (LITARGIRIO) immediately-particularly with children and pregnant or nursing women.

* Place unused product in a re-sealable container or plastic bag and discard with the household trash.

* Thoroughly wash hands and any other Exposed body parts that come in contact with the powder. Wash affected household surfaces with soap and water.

* Ask your health care provider to test children or pregnant/nursing women for lead poisoning if you have used this product.

* For more information contact the Family Health Information Line at 1-800-942-7434

In addition to issuing this public warning, released earlier today in Spanish, HEALTH also contacted federal authorities at the National Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) regarding the toxic nature of this product. HEALTH may also take other steps to restrict the availability of this product in Rhode Island. ###

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Bruce D. , PharmD, DABAT

Director of Operations/Associate Professor

land Poison Center

University of land School of Pharmacy

410-706-7604 fax 410-706-7184

email: banderso@... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

L. Steege, MPH

CDC/NIOSH

T: 513-841-4538

F: 513-841-4489

asteege@...