At least 22 young children sickened by lead in 14 states linked to contaminated applesauce bags, CDC says
U.S. health officials are warning doctors to be on the lookout for possible cases of lead poisoning in children after at least 22 young children in 14 states became ill from lead-related lead poisoning. contaminated bags of applesauce with cinnamon and applesauce.
Children ages 1 to 3 were affected, with at least one child showing a blood lead level eight times higher than the level of concern, according to the report. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saying.
There is no safe level of lead exposure, but the CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels than most.
The blood lead levels of the affected children ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.
Reported symptoms included headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in activity level, and anemia.
The illnesses are part of an outbreak linked to bags recalled of fruit puree marketed to children from the WanaBana brands, applesauce and cinnamon and bags of applesauce with cinnamon Schnucks and Weis.
The products were sold in stores and online.
Parents and caregivers should not buy or serve the products, and children who may have eaten them should be tested for lead levels.
Affected children may not show symptoms, experts said.
Lead exposure can cause serious learning and behavioral problems.
Heavy metals like lead can get into food products through soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The CDC said there were cases in the following states as of Nov. 7: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.
