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- Lead Intoxication Related to Coriander Consumption: A Case Report From the United States
- Kelly Johnson-Arbor, Gloria Dike, Sammy Taha
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2025;58(6):647-651. Published online July 8, 2025
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.25.273
- 2,249 View
- 161 Download
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Abstract
Summary
PDF - Spices are associated with health risks, including heavy metal exposure. We present a case of lead intoxication likely related to spice consumption, specifically coriander powder. A 61-year-old woman was diagnosed with lead intoxication during a medical evaluation for symptomatic anemia. The patient had regularly consumed imported Malaysian spices prior to symptom onset. An initial public health assessment revealed only modest concentrations of lead in spices found in her home, raising concerns about additional sources of exposure. Several months later, a relative of the patient was also diagnosed with lead intoxication. Investigation revealed markedly elevated lead concentrations in coriander powder consumed by the relative, suggesting potential economic adulteration. The index patient reported also consuming coriander purchased from a Malaysian street market prior to her lead toxicity diagnosis. Spices are susceptible to heavy metal contamination from inadvertent environmental uptake or intentional economic adulteration. Medical professionals should remain vigilant for lead-contaminated spices and collaborate with public health officials to identify sources and patterns of lead exposure.
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SummaryKey Message
Although spices are valued for their culinary aspects and potential health benefits, they are also susceptible to contamination with heavy metals through intentional or unintentional processes. Spices are especially vulnerable to intentional economic adulteration, due to their often-high costs and processing requirements. This manuscript describes the case of a patient who developed significant lead toxicity after chronic consumption of powdered coriander that was potentially impacted by economic adulteration.- Effective Decontamination and Remediation After Elemental Mercury Exposure: A Case Report in the United States
- Kelly Johnson-Arbor, Brian Schultz
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2021;54(5):376-379. Published online August 26, 2021
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.21.345
- 6,252 View
- 124 Download
- 2 Web of Science
- 2 Crossref
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Abstract
PDF
- Elemental mercury exposure can result in significant toxicity. Source decontamination and remediation are often required after larger elemental mercury exposures, but the details of these processes are infrequently reported. In the case described herein, a 64-year-old woman and her husband were exposed to elemental mercury in their home after the husband purchased it online for the purpose of recreational barometer calibration. After the mercury reportedly spilled during the calibration process, a vacuum cleaner was used to decontaminate the affected surface; this led to extensive mercury contamination of the home. The couple was relocated from the home while remediation occurred over the course of several weeks. Vacuum cleaning of an elemental mercury spill can lead to extensive volatilization and recirculation of mercury vapor. For smaller mercury spills, careful removal of visible mercury beads by using an eyedropper, cardboard, and masking tape is recommended. Larger spills require professional decontamination and remediation and may necessitate involvement of governmental resources. Vacuum cleaning should not be used as an initial method of decontamination after elemental mercury exposure. Careful attention to source decontamination can reduce the emotional and financial costs associated with extensive remediation after elemental mercury exposure.
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Summary
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- Mercury-Mediated Cardiovascular Toxicity: Mechanisms and Remedies
Arash Amin, Maryam Saadatakhtar, Ahmad Mohajerian, Seyed Mehdi Marashi, Somayeh Zamanifard, Ali Keshavarzian, Parisa Molaee, Mohammad Sadegh Keshmiri, Farahnaz Nikdoust
Cardiovascular Toxicology.2025; 25(3): 507. CrossRef - RETRACTED: Environmental fate of aquatic pollutants and their mitigation by phycoremediation for the clean and sustainable environment: A review
S. Thanigaivel, Saranya Vinayagam, Lalitha Gnanasekaran, R. Suresh, Matias Soto-Moscoso, Wei-Hsin Chen
Environmental Research.2024; 240: 117460. CrossRef
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