High Lead Levels Found in Cinnamon and Spice Blends From 12 Brands, Report Finds

What You Need to Know

* A recent report has found high levels of lead in cinnamon and spice blends from 12 popular brands. * Lead is a toxic metal that can cause a range of health problems, including developmental delays in children and damage to the brain and nervous system. * The report recommends that consumers avoid using cinnamon and spice blends from the affected brands and that they choose organic spices instead.

Background

Lead is a toxic metal that can enter the body through food, water, or air. It can cause a range of health problems, including developmental delays in children and damage to the brain and nervous system. Cinnamon and spice blends are commonly used in cooking. However, a recent report has found high levels of lead in cinnamon and spice blends from 12 popular brands. The report was conducted by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH). The CEH tested 12 brands of cinnamon and spice blends for lead. The brands included: * McCormick * Cinnamon * Spice Islands * Penzey's * Simply Organic * Frontier Co-op * Trader Joe's * Whole Foods Market * 365 Whole Foods Market * Sprouts Farmers Market * The Spice House * Savory Spice Shop The CEH found that all 12 brands of cinnamon and spice blends contained lead. The levels of lead ranged from 0.06 parts per million (ppm) to 0.63 ppm. The CEH's report recommends that consumers avoid using cinnamon and spice blends from the affected brands. The report also recommends that consumers choose organic spices instead. Organic spices are grown without the use of pesticides and other chemicals, which can reduce the risk of lead contamination.

Health Effects of Lead

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause a range of health problems. Lead can enter the body through food, water, or air. It can also be absorbed through the skin. Lead exposure can cause a range of health problems, including: * Developmental delays in children * Damage to the brain and nervous system * Kidney damage * Reproductive problems * Cardiovascular disease * Cancer Lead exposure is particularly harmful to children. Children's brains and nervous systems are still developing, and they are more likely to absorb lead than adults. Lead exposure can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems in children.

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Lead

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your exposure to lead: * Avoid using cinnamon and spice blends from the affected brands. * Choose organic spices instead. * Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. * Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. * Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. * Drink plenty of water. * Get regular exercise. * Avoid smoking. * If you work in a lead-contaminated environment, take precautions to protect yourself from exposure.

Conclusion

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause a range of health problems. A recent report has found high levels of lead in cinnamon and spice blends from 12 popular brands. The report recommends that consumers avoid using cinnamon and spice blends from the affected brands and that they choose organic spices instead.