News and Events

Woman Dies from U​sing a Hemorrhoid Ointment from Vietnam

The California Department of Public Health has issued a health alert regarding a hemorrhoid ointment from Vietnam which was found to have dangerously high amounts of lead in it. More information can be found on their website.

Lead Poisoning Outbreak Linked to Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches

In February, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its ongoing outbreak investigation to include new information on the inclusion of chromium in the recalled cinnamon applesauce food pouches. For additional information, refer to the following sites:

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)

In addition, March 6, 2024, the FDA issued a new advisory concerning certain cinnamon products. Additional information can be found on their website.

Clinicians should also refer to the CDC Clinician Outreach and Community Activity (COCA) for additional guidance.

Children's Health Month

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) celebrates Children's Health Month each October by developing publications and activities that highlight the importance of protecting children from environmental risks. Get more information from EPA: Children's Health.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

The last full week each October is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW). The Alabama Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program aligns with the goal of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to eliminate childhood lead poisoning in the United States and uses NLPPW to:

• Raise awareness about the serious health issues caused by lead exposure, especially in children less than 6 years old
• Emphasize the importance of testing children for lead exposure at 12 and 24 months old and up to 6 years old if not tested earlier
• Educate people to take steps to reduce their risk of lead poisoning

Today, childhood lead poisoning is considered to be the most preventable environmental disease of young children, yet an estimated 500,000 U.S. children have blood lead levels at or above the blood lead reference value, the level at which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends public health actions begin. A simple blood test can prevent a lifetime spoiled by the irreversible damage caused by lead poisoning.

For more information, visit the NLPPW at the CDC.

Pre-1978 Home Renovations

Beginning in April of 2010 major renovation and maintenance in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities will be subject to new rules. As part of its efforts to eliminate the risk of lead poisoning, the EPA passed a new rule requiring that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, childcare facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Additionally, starting in December 2008, renovators in these areas will be required to provide owners and occupants with the pamphlet "Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools." More information can be found at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).