Press Release New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Office of Communications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Sandra Mullin/Joyce Hernández López Business Hours (212) 788-5290 After Business Hours (212) 764-7667 Wednesday, November 5, 2003

NEW YORK CITY - November 5, 2003 - The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) today warned New Yorkers not to use the home remedy litargirio, a product known to cause lead poisoning if accidentally swallowed or inhaled. Litargirio (pronounced "lee-tar-hee-rio"), is a yellow or peach-colored powder that may contain nearly 80 percent lead. It is most frequently used as an anti-perspirant/deodorant and is also used as a remedy for treating fungus on the feet and for burns. Litargirio is manufactured in the Dominican Republic and is used primarily within the Dominican community.

DOHMH was notified about this product by Rhode Island health officials, who found that a child had became lead poisoned after using litargirio as a deodorant. A subsequent investigation in New York City found that litargirio was being sold at botanicas in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx.

"It is important that New Yorkers, particularly those within the Dominican community, know of the serious health risks associated with the use of litargirio," said Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. "Litargirio contains high levels of lead and can cause permanent neurological damage to children. If you have any of this product in your home, stop using it immediately, place the unused portion in a sealed container or plastic bag and call 311 to have someone retrieve the product. Additionally, children and pregnant women who may have used this product should get tested for lead poisoning immediately."

Litargirio, sold in 2-inch by 3-inch clear packets in convenience and specialty stores, is an industrial chemical used as a paint pigment. It is not intended for personal use and can cause lead poisoning, which can damage the brain and cause learning and behavioral problems. Children, women who are pregnant (and their unborn children), women who are nursing, and shopkeepers who handle this product (along with their employees) are especially at risk.

"Alianza is working closely with the Health Department to alert our community of the dangers of litargirio," said Moises Perez, executive director of Alianza Dominicana, Inc. "We urge all members of the community who may have used this product to get tested for lead poisoning. We are also asking shopkeepers to stop selling this hazardous product, which presents a significant health risk to our children and families."

DOHMH issued the following recommendations for store owners who sell litargirio and for people who may have purchased the product.

DOHMH advises store owners and their employFees to:

• Immediately remove litargirio from store shelves and from store inventory. DO NOT DISPOSE OF THE PRODUCT. Call 311 and the Health Department will pick up unused products.
• Wash hands and any other body parts, which may have come in contact with the powder. Thoroughly wash surfaces in storage areas with soap and water.
• Inform possible or known users to discontinue use of litargirio
• Inform users and handlers to seek medical attention and blood lead testing.

People who may have obtained litargirio are advised to:

• Immediately stop using this product.
• Keep product away from children.
• Place unused product in a sealed container or plastic bag. Call 311 and the Health Department will retrieve the product.
• Thoroughly wash hands and any other exposed body parts that come into contact with the powder. Wash affected household surfaces with soap and water.
• This product is especially harmful to children and pregnant or nursing women. Children or pregnant/nursing women should be tested by a health care provider for lead poisoning if they have used this product.

DOHMH is sending letters to store owners informing them of the dangers of litargirio, advising them to remove it from their shelves. DOHMH has also generated flyers and other educational materials to be distributed to community organizations, particularly those serving the Dominican community.

For more information, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/health.

About the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is one of the world's largest public health agencies, with 6,000 employees and an annual budget of $1.4 billion. The Department's mission is to protect and promote the health and mental health of all New Yorkers, to promote the recovery of those with mental illness and chemical dependencies, and to promote the realization of full potential of those with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. The Department's programs encompass areas of disease control, environmental health, epidemiology, health care access and improvement, health promotion and disease prevention, and mental hygiene services, serving the more than 8 million people who make New York City their home as well as the more than 3 million others who work or visit here each day.

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