When you purchase through links on our site , we may earn an affiliate commission . Here ’s how it works .
A 6 - month - old boy was treated for steer intoxication due to the economic consumption of the cosmetic known as " tiro , " which is used as a folk remedy for promoting visual development , according to a written report of the son ’s vitrine released today .
The baby was impart to Boston Children ’s Hospital with elevated levels of lead in his blood in June 2011 , according to the report from researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) . The son was bear in the U.S. to Nigerian parents .
An investigation revealed thesource of leadto be tiro , a powdery Nigerian cosmetic that had been applied to the infant ’s eyelids . research worker had examine the folk ’s home and found it was " in excellent condition , without lead hazards , " according to the report card . The baby was exclusively breast - fed , and was not given spices or supplements .
The powder was 82.6 percent star , the report say .
The main rootage of lead toxic condition in the U.S. is lead - based paint ; however , other sources are progressively being identified , the CDC order . import production such as spices , confect , cosmetic , health remedies , pottery and jewelryhave all been implicated .
The case began when the child ’s parents bring him to a pediatrician for a well - child visit . The doctor noted the cosmetic on the child ’s eyelid , and test his rakehell for lead . The baby was handle with iron supplements , and refer for further testing at the hospital . The baby was growing well and prepare unremarkably , according to the reputation .
The parents terminate using the product , and follow - up profligate test showed the boy ’s lead levels were dropping .
Tiro is also called " tozali " and " kwalli , " and similar products called " surma " and " kajal " in Asia , and " kohl " in the Middle East , may also control Pb , the report said .
The powder has many uses as afolk remedy , the report said , including relieving asthenopia or pain , and forbid infections in a babe ’s umbilical cord tree stump or circumcision wound .
The event shows that certain group of immigrants may be at higher risk of lead poisoning , the report said . " Educational efforts are needed to inform immigrant from Africa , Asia , and the Middle East that tiro and like product can cause hint poisoning in kid , " the researchers wrote in their report . When children with lofty lead levels are fetch for medical attention , health care proletarian should ask about eye cosmetic and folk cure as a possible generator , they said .
Lead is extremely toxic and can damage body organs including the encephalon , kidneys and pearl heart . Young childrenare specially susceptible to lead because they tend to put thing they find on floor in their mouthpiece , and because of differences in their physical structure functions , such as greater preoccupation in their grit , and still - developing fundamental nervous systems , according to the CDC .
Pass it on : Foreign eye cosmetics may contain lead story , and pose a finicky endangerment to children .
