eve77
23.01.08, 17:56
NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE
Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH
Commissioner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 17, 2008
(212) 788-5290
HEALTH DEPARTMENT WARNS PARENTS TO KEEP CAMPHOR PRODUCTS AWAY FROM
CHILDREN
NEW YORK CITY - January 17, 2008 - The Health Department today
warned
New York City parents and caregivers to keep products containing
camphor away from children. Some camphor products can be toxic to
children when accidentally ingested or excessively applied to skin.
Three recent cases of seizures associated with camphor have been
confirmed in the Bronx. All three children have recovered. The
Health
Department is investigating seven additional cases suspected to be
associated with camphor.
Camphor, alconfor in Spanish, is a common ingredient in many
products
used for colds, pest control, to ward off illness, or as air
freshener. Camphor is sold in cubes (pictured below), or as a balm
or
ointment. Camphor cubes and tablets are not approved by the FDA for
use as cough or cold medicine. Camphor products that are not labeled
with ingredients and do not have manufacturer information should not
be used; they are unsafe and illegal. Legal camphor products, such
as
some chest rubs used to relieve congestion, should only be used as
directed on the label. Camphor products are sold in botanicas,
pharmacies, discount stores, among other types of New York City
stores.
"Camphor products can be very dangerous for children," said Nancy
Clark, Assistant Commissioner for Environmental Disease
Prevention. "Be sure to keep these products away from them.
Swallowing camphor or applying it in large amounts to a child can
cause seizures. If you think your child may have been poisoned, call
the Poison Control Center at (212) POISONS."
The main symptoms of camphor poisoning in children include
stomachache, nausea, vomiting, irritability, agitation, and
seizures.
Symptoms may occur very quickly after exposure