NSW Health advises the community to avoid the use of Burmese traditional powders, often used for digestion and strength in babies.
Health experts in America have found high levels of lead in Burmese children, and one of the causes is thought to be use of these traditional medicine powders.
NSW Health and the NSW Food Authority are investigating after samples of the same powders recently bought in Sydney have been found to contain dangerously high amounts of arsenic.
The traditional powders are known to be sold under various different product names, and have been found in Burmese grocery stores in Sydney. There are concerns these products may be widely used by the Karen and other Burmese communities in Sydney.
NSW Director of Environmental Health, Dr Wayne Smith is warning the Burmese community of the health concerns surrounding these traditional medicine powders.
“Further toxicology testing of the product is required however, in the meantime the NSW Food Authority are requesting Burmese grocery shops withdraw the product from sale,” Dr Smith said.
Arsenic can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, heart problems and coma. The amounts of arsenic found in powders bought in Sydney are high enough to cause severe adverse effects in young children. Over time arsenic can also cause skin problems, numbness in the hands and feet, and may increase the risk of various cancers.
No cases of illness have been identified in NSW at this time, however if you are concerned that you or your child may have these symptoms after taking the traditional Burmese powders, please visit your nearest hospital emergency department.
For further information you can contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 or your local Public Health Unit in your area.
For a full list of Public Health Units please view: Public Health Units.