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Health authorities fear that unlicensed Chinese medicines will prove fatal, after a recent immigrant fell sick with severe lead poisoning
It is thought to be New Zealand's first case of lead poisoning from Chinese remedies, although several cases have been reported involving Indian alternative medicines.
The Auckland Regional Public Health Service was notified two months ago of a Chinese man who had been suffering stomach pain, constipation, insomnia and dizziness.
A butchery shop worker, he had been taking a powder supplied by a customer, allegedly a Chinese medical practitioner, the service said in a report on the case.
He had been taking the powder for oral ulcers, but more developed on his mouth and tongue.
"He was told that the powder was toxic, but would present no problems when taken in small amounts, short term. The supplier instructed him to apply the powder to the affected area for a brief time and then to spit it out."
"Further analysis of the remaining medicine confirmed that the powder consisted of 46 per cent to 74 per cent lead."
The man's blood lead level was more than 12 times the notifiable level for non-occupational lead exposure.
He was given chelation therapy at Middlemore Hospital. This is a medicine that binds to the lead, which is then passed in urine.
This reduced his lead level significantly, but it still remained greatly elevated.
The report said he would receive ongoing treatment and monthly testing until it fell below the notification level.
In 2006, doctors writing in the Medical Journal warned against Ayurvedic herbal remedies after finding eight patients had been poisoned with lead. Ayurvedic medicine originated in India.
Dr Denise Barnfather, a medical officer of health at Public Health, said yesterday the latest case was the first she was aware of in NZ involving lead poisoning from Chinese remedies.
The Public Health report said: "Our concern is that Chinese medicines with toxic, potentially fatal amounts of lead are being brought into New Zealand and being sold to the unsuspecting public."
