Federal health investigators have highlighted the risks associated with traditional surma eye makeup, following a lead poisoning case involving a New York family. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed in its latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report that a mother and her four young children suffered from lead poisoning due to the use of this traditional cosmetic.
Surma, a cosmetic product used across various cultures in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, is primarily composed of kohl. Its ingredients often include lead sulfide, charcoal, and a mix of plant oils or gum resins, with recipes varying by region. This composition has led to surma being recognized as a significant source of lead exposure and consequently banned in the United States. Despite the ban, travelers sometimes bring surma into the country, where it can still pose a serious health risk.
The CDC’s report details that lead poisoning among the family members began when a 4-year-old in New York City was found to have dangerously high levels of lead in their blood. In 2012, the child’s blood lead level was recorded at 3.5 μg/dL, a level significant enough to raise concerns about potential long-term developmental and cognitive issues.
Further investigation revealed that from 2012 to 2016, the child’s mother and three siblings also exhibited lead poisoning symptoms, with surma identified as the sole source of their exposure. Testing of the surma products found lead concentrations at alarming levels of 390,000 parts per million (ppm).
The CDC emphasized the need for comprehensive follow-up procedures when a case of lead exposure is identified within a family to prevent further contamination. Health experts acknowledge the challenges in addressing health warnings associated with cultural practices that involve unsafe products. The CDC advocates for global and local health efforts to reformulate these products to eliminate harmful lead content while preserving cultural traditions.
Lead, a toxic heavy metal, poses severe health risks, particularly to children whose developing bodies are highly vulnerable. Even brief exposure can cause symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain, and vomiting, while long-term exposure can lead to cognitive deficits, behavioral issues, and developmental delays. The American Academy of Pediatrics underscores that no level of lead exposure is considered safe for children.
The CDC advises anyone exposed to lead to consult with healthcare providers and report symptoms to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting system. Efforts to ensure safer formulations of traditional cosmetics are crucial in preventing such health hazards while respecting cultural practices.
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