It is currently Poison Prevention Month, which was put into place in order to raise awareness of poisonous substances, thereby improving the ability to prevent and treat poison exposures such as lead poisoning. According to a recent alert released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), one consumer product recently discovered to be a poison risk is a cosmetic clay called Bentonite Me Baby.

Bentonite Me Baby Could Cause Lead Poisoning

Bentonite Me Baby is a cosmetic clay that is sold online as well as at major retail outlets throughout the country, including Amazon.com and Target. According to the producer of Bentonite Me Baby, Alikay Naturals, the cosmetic clay is supposed to purify and clarify skin and hair. It is produced from aged volcanic ash and is supposed to be applied to the face once a week and to the hair no more than twice a month. Tests done by the FDA revealed that the clay contained high levels of lead. As a result, the FDA warns consumers against using the product.

Lead poisoning can cause damage to the central nervous system, the immune system and the kidneys. Children that are exposed to lead poisoning may suffer from behavioral and thinking problems. The FDA was warned of the potential high level of lead in the cosmetic clay by the Minnesota Department of Health. So far, there have been no cases of lead poisoning involving the clay.

Contacting a Poison Control Center

There are 55 poison control centers located around the country, all of which are supported by the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Anyone who is worried about having used the Bentonite Me Baby cosmetic clay can call a poison center at 1-800-222-1222 for free and confidential medical advice. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is a great resource for obtaining information about poisoning and can also help reduce costly hospital visits by providing in-home treatment advice.

Here at the Benefits Store, we strive to provide California residents with up-to-date news and information that could affect their health in addition to professional health insurance advice.