CHP urges public not to buy or consume herbal product suspected to contain lead
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 7) is investigating a lead poisoning case, and appealed to members of the public not to buy or consume a certain herbal product as it may contain lead, which is harmful to one's health.
The CHP received a notification of a lead poisoning case from the Hospital Authority involving a 62-year-old female, who presented with loss of appetite in late September. She was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital from October 12 to 18. Blood tests during hospital admission identified a high blood lead level together with anaemia and liver impairment. Her clinical diagnosis was lead poisoning. The patient was readmitted on October 24. She is in stable condition and has been discharged from hospital.
After receiving the notification, the CHP commenced investigations immediately. The patient reported consuming a herbal product labelled as "Garcinia Cambogia" for several months. She bought this herbal product from an overseas online shop. Testing of the product by the Government Laboratory revealed that the product contains lead. As the herbal product was manufactured in Nepal as labelled, the product has been referred to the relevant department of the Nepal Government for follow-up.
The CHP's investigation is ongoing.
"Lead has no essential function in man, but has a number of adverse effects. Acute exposure to high doses of lead may cause abdominal pain and vomiting. Chronic exposure to lead, depending on the lead level inside the body, is associated with a wide range of health effects, including neurodevelopmental effects, anaemia, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal symptoms, impaired renal function and neurological impairment," a spokesman for the CHP said.
The spokesman strongly urged people who are consuming this product to stop consuming it immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals as soon as possible if they feel unwell or are in doubt.
CHP urges public not to buy or consume herbal product suspected to contain lead Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Families and schools work together to combat "space oil"
The Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau met with representatives from the Committee on Home-School Co-operation (CHSC) and the district Federations of Parent-Teacher Associations (FPTAs) yesterday (November 6) to discuss different ways to prevent the emerging drug "space oil" from harming Hong Kong's young people.
During the meeting, representatives from the FPTAs were updated on the latest situation covering the harm of "space oil", including its relationship with e-cigarettes. The ND introduced to the representatives the anti-drug preventive education and publicity (PE&P) programmes in schools, adding that it looked forward to more secondary schools participating in the Healthy School Programme with a Drug Testing Component. The representatives in attendance welcomed more anti‑drug PE&P programmes targeting schools and parents to be carried out by the ND and organisations concerned to raise awareness of and vigilance against "space oil" and other drugs.
The ND also briefed attendees on the prevailing statutory control on etomidate, the main ingredient of "space oil", as well as the Government's proposed legislative amendments for stricter control on the substance. Representatives from the district FPTAs expressed support for the Government's prompt action to list etomidate as a dangerous drug under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 134) to raise the maximum penalty and deterrence.
The ND urges parents to remain vigilant and pay more attention to their children. Possession of any type of alternative smoking product by children, along with unexplained bruises on their limbs, could be a sign of taking "space oil". Parents who need to seek help can send a message to 98 186 186 through the instant messaging platforms of WhatsApp and WeChat, or call the 24-hour hotline 186 186, to obtain information or seek assistance from social workers.
The ND's website (www.nd.gov.hk) contains information about "space oil", and the ND also launched a "space oil" themed animated video in August (www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHQVLgU3wAA). Members of the public are welcome to browse the website. In addition, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre, including the new "space oil" corner therein, located on the roof floor of the Low Block of the Queensway Government Offices, provides various forms of anti-drug knowledge and is open to the public.
