(New York -WABC, June 16, 2006) - There's a new warning out tonight if you take herbal medicine. The New York City Department of Health says some herbal pills made in China were found to have high levels of lead and mercury
Lead and mercury are a problem because they can kill you. These are herbal pills that are supposed to aid in overall well being and liver function.
Here's what's scary: even one part per million of mercury is unacceptable according to the Health Dept., but the Emperor's Tea pill contains 5,400 parts per million, more than 5,000 times that amount.
Nancy Clark, NYC Health Dept.: "Both lead and mercury are heavy metals and these are poisonous to the human body."
Probably not what you'd expect to find in a natural herbal supplement. The products are called Hepatico Extract and the Emperor's Tea Pill. One New Yorker taking these tested positive for lead and mercury poisoning and an investigation determined these were to blame.
Nancy Clark, NYC Health Dept.: "The package instructions advises people to take from 16 to 24 a day and that can result in a pretty toxic dose."
It's alarming to hear that something that is supposed to be all natural and good for you includes all natural poison that can be lethal. We wondered how easy it was to find these and within minutes and blocks of getting into Chinatown we found them.
After checking just three stores we found them on East Broadway, two boxes for less than $5. But to be fair, none of the stores have been notified of a recall or of the danger, and none of this is illegal.
The minute we showed the manager the warning flyer that the health department is sending out and told her of the danger she was taking every box off of shelves and getting in touch with the wholesaler.
Nancy Clark, NYC Health Dept.: "The product is available in the five boroughs in a variety if Asian markets and Asian herbal medicine shops. So currently the wholesaler is recalling the products."
If you have been taking these supplements the Health Dept. says stop right now and see your doctor. You'll also want to get two tests, a blood lead test and a mercury urine test, two easy ways to make sure you are in the clear.
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