NYC Health Dept. warns of Illegal Eye Makeup containing Lead

The New York City Health Department has warned people not to use the illegal cosmetic products that may contains lead and can harmful for health.

On Thursday the city came out with the warning after they had examined five cases of pregnant women and children who were poisoned after using the products in recent months.

"We urge New Yorkers not to use any products that contain lead," said Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden. "If you are using these products, stop using them immediately and call a doctor to request a blood lead test."

Lead is used in cosmetics such as kohl, kajal, and surma which are imported from Asia, Africa and the Middle East and can be purchased at neighborhood stores throughout New York City. The users, who wear the eye cosmetics, are especially at risk because they might unwittingly place their hands in their mouths after touching the products on their faces.

Lead is a health hazard to humans if it is inhaled or ingested, interfering with the production of red blood cells and damages the brain, nervous system, kidneys and reproductive system. Lead poisoning can also cause problems in pregnancy and can lead to learning and behavior problems in young children.

Nancy Clark, assistant commissioner of environmental disease prevention at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said, "Children won't feel or look sick at all, but there could be problems with learning and behavior."

The symptoms of lead poisoning are headaches, dizziness, and insomnia and in acute cases there is usually stupor, which progresses to coma and terminates in death.

The public is urged to call 212-POISONS for additional information on imported eye cosmetics that contain lead or to report locations where these products are sold.

One can get additional information from http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/lead/lead-import-eyecos.shtml.