Some immigrant children fed lead, mercury

Read the article in Toronto Star-http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/296591

Lead poisoning can cause lethargy, confusion, learning problems and convulsions, and in severe cases can lead to irreversible brain damage and death. Common folk remedies that may contain harmful levels of lead:



Ayurvedic medicines: Some of these treatments from India, such as ghasard, a brown powder given to relieve constipation in babies, and mahayogaraj guggulu, for high blood pressure, have dangerously high levels of lead. In a 2004 study that found high concentrations of lead in ayurvedic medicine, a Boston University researcher bought 70 different ayurvedic remedies at 30 stores within a 32-kilometre radius of Boston City Hall. One in five contained potentially harmful levels of lead, mercury and arsenic.


Greta, azarcon, ruedo: Mexican powders given to treat constipation in children may contain as much as 90 per cent lead.

Litargirio: A powder used by Dominican immigrants for such ills as foot fungus and body odour can contain up to 79 per cent lead.