WARNING Issued After Lead Poisoning Hits at Least 22 Toddlers

(DailyDig.com) – After 22 young children in 14 different states were poisoned by lead related to contaminated packets of apple cinnamon puree and applesauce, US health authorities are advising physicians to be alert for additional instances of lead poisoning in young children.

Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initially reported on it and recalled many brands of tainted goods in early November, the number of youngsters with lead poisoning has climbed. The number of children increased from seven to twenty-two, while the number of reporting states increased from five to fourteen.

The infections are linked to a recall of fruit puree pouches sold to children under the labels WanaBana apple and cinnamon puree and Weis and Schnucks pouches of cinnamon and applesauce. The items were available in shops and online.

Caregivers should not purchase or serve the goods, and children who may have eaten them should have their lead levels checked.

There isn’t any safe amount of lead exposure. However, the CDC considers children with blood lead levels above 3.5 micrograms to have high levels.

The youngsters, aged one to three, have elevated blood lead levels, according to the CDC. At least one youngster had a lead in his blood level that was eight times greater than what is considered dangerous. Blood lead levels in the afflicted youngsters varied from 4 to 29 micrograms for every deciliter.

Symptoms described included nausea, a decrease in activity level, headache, diarrhea, anemia, and vomiting. According to specialists, some youngsters who are impacted may not exhibit any signs.

Lead poisoning may drastically affect the health of a child and cause long-lasting health problems such as major learning and behavioral issues. Heavy metals such as lead may enter food items via industrial processes, soil, water, or air, per the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The following states have reported cases: Washington, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, New York, New Mexico, Missouri, Maryland, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Alabama, according to the CDC.