US health officials are warning doctors to be alert to possible cases of lead poisoning in children after at least 22 children in 14 states became ill from lead linked to tainted bags of cinnamon applesauce and applesauce.
Children ages 1 to 3 were affected, and at least one child showed blood lead levels eight times higher than the level of concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
There is no safe level of lead exposure, but the CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels than most.
The blood lead levels of the affected children ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.
Reported symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in activity level and anemia.
The illness is part of an outbreak linked to recalled fruit puree pouches marketed to children from the WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree brand and Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches.
The products are sold in stores and online.
Contaminated pouches of cinnamon applesauce and applesauce have reportedly sickened some children in 14 states. AP
Parents and guardians should not buy or serve the product and children who may have consumed it should be tested for lead levels.
Affected children may show no symptoms, experts say.
Lead exposure can lead to serious learning and behavioral problems.
Heavy metals such as lead can enter food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The CDC said there were cases in the following states as of November 7: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
