Hazardous Consumer Products - NYC Health

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Hazardous Consumer Products

Some consumer products contain dangerous chemicals or heavy metals, such as lead, mercury or arsenic. These types of products can cause serious health problems, including damage to the brain, nervous system and reproductive system.

Learn more about the following types of products that may be harmful:

Ceramic and Metal Ware

Cosmetics and Religious Powders

Foods and Spices

Supplements and Remedies

Jewelry, Amulets/Tabiz and Toys

For questions about hazardous products, call 311 and ask for Healthy Homes or call the NYC Poison Center at 212-POISONS (212-764-7667). For questions about lead, call 212-BANLEAD (212-226-5323).

If you use these types of products, ask your health care provider to test you for lead and other heavy metals. For help finding a provider, call 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692).

South Asians and Lead Poisoning

New York City’s South Asian children and adults are especially at risk for lead poisoning. A 2016 study found South Asian children in the city were six times more likely to have high blood lead levels than children citywide, and adults were four times more likely to have high levels.

In addition to lead paint and occupational lead hazards, poisonings in this community have been associated with the use of traditional consumer products. Such products include:

Amulets (sheesha, tabiz and other metal charms)

Kohl, kajal and surma

Sindoor

Spices

Ayurvedic medicines

Brochure: South Asians and Lead Poisoning (PDF)

Other Languages: বাংলা | हिन्दी | اردو

Additional Resources

Investigating and Addressing Exposures to Lead-Containing Consumer Products - Technical Guide (PDF)

Safe Products Awareness Training for Businesses

Registration instructions (PDF)

May Contain Lead Warning Ads (PDF)
Other Languages: বাংলা |
हिन्दी |
اردو

Lead, Mercury and Arsenic in Consumer Products Fact Sheet (PDF)

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Publications and Alerts (PDF)

Product Recalls and Safety Alerts

Metal Content of Consumer Products Tested by NYC Department of Health

CDC: Scientific Publications on Lead

EPA: Heavy Metals in Cultural Products

More Information

Lead Poisoning Main Page

Lead Poisoning Resources for Providers

Mercury Exposure and Risks

Arsenic

Poison Control