Few Mexican Ceramics Associated With Lead Poisoning

A new study suggests that an amiable ceramic reminder of a Mexican vacation could end up offering you with lead poisoning. Most of the glazes that outline the traditional Mexican ceramics comprises of a high amount of lead, thus, can be toxic after excessive handling.

Though this issue was lying as a low priority for many health professionals, recently, it gained immense highlight by lead poisoning of a 55-year-old Canadian woman who frequently used ceramic dishware picked up by Mexico. As per a report published by the UPI, Dr. Michael Fralick, General Internist at the University of Toronto and a Research Fellow at Havard University said, "Every time, she (55-year-old Canadian woman) poured hot water into a mug, lead was flowing out of the gaze and into her tea."

The woman was hospitalized continuously for two-three times on basis of unexplained but severe abdominal pain. The pain started immediately after the use of ceramics purchased in Mexico. Certain laboratory tests revealed that the glaze on both the inner and outer side of the dishware contained nearly 17% of the lead content. It increased the lead content in her blood by 36%. According to CBS News, the case was described in the October 17 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Apart from severe abdominal pain, lead poisoning can cause anemia, joint pain, and extreme fatigue. Lead is toxic in nature even in small amounts but daily exposure to lead concentration can cause a higher risk of poisoning. Dr. Fralick gave a statement that most of the lead-tainted cookware is imported by the tourists and importation of the lead-tainted cookware into North America is highly regulated. He gave a special piece of advice regarding not to buy any cookware on your visit to Mexico.

Most of the South Asian countries including China are the major source of lead-contaminated products. Few products in Mexico might be sold under the tag 'No lead content', but they might contain a high lead concentration. In short, it's better to avoid any purchase of Mexican ceramics.