The health department has recently investigated a childhood lead poisoning case that may have been caused by use of this product. There have been several cases of lead poisoning among children and pregnant women who have used these products across New York State. The lead in the product can be accidentally ingested, and children are at special risk because they may put hands in their mouths after touching these cosmetics on their faces. Lead is a toxic metal that 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.

 

The “Hashmi Surma Special” found in Broome County was recently tested and found to be 18% lead, or  180,000 ppm. A sample of “Hashmi Kajal,” a similar product found in the same store has also been taken off the shelves and sent in for testing. 

 

These products come in many varieties, any of which may contain lead. It is not possible to tell the difference between safe and dangerous brands because lead is not listed as an ingredient on the label. These products are banned by the Food and Drug Administration and have been imported illegally. They should all be considered unsafe.

The sale of toxic personal products is prohibited under New York State Public Health Law Title X of Article 13, Control of Lead Poisoning. The health department is working with distributors and storeowners to remove these products from their shelves. The health department has ordered distributors and storeowners selling kohl, kajal, or surma products to: 

The Health Department advises people who may have obtained and used these products to: 

Call CNY Poison Control Center at 1.800.222.1222 or your local health department (Broome County Department of Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 607.778.2850) for additional information on imported eye cosmetics that contain lead or to report locations where these products are sold.