Lead Toxicity Following a Novel Method of Consumption as a Tea Preparation Using Vermillion for Arthralgia: A Case Report

Introduction: In remote areas of India, folk medicine by local unregistered practitioners is quite common. Such practitioners use Sindoor or Vermillion, or Kumkum in their medicinal preparations to cure chronic ailments like joint pain, infertility, asthenia, impotence, and immunological disorders. Traditional Indian Vermillion is prepared using lime (calcium component) mixed with various natural ingredients like camphor, oil, agaru, sandalwood paste, and turmeric. However, modern-day commercial Vermillion contains Lead tetroxide. The use of such lustrous synthetic Vermillion that contains Lead salts in folk medicine may cause Lead intoxication among the consumer tribal population. Case Report: The case of a 51-year-old male admitted to our tertiary care institute with colicky abdominal pain and quadriparesis and a history of chronic tea intake containing synthetic Vermillion and turmeric as prescribed by local folk medicine practitioners is presented. Discussion: People in remote areas of the tribal-state of Chhattisgarh (India) often consult a local traditional healer first and report to a modern health facility when things go out of hand. The instant case presented after development of quadriparesis, dysphagia, and dysphonia. He was diagnosed as a case of Lead toxicity based on clinical suspicion corroborated by blood Lead levels and was conservatively managed with BAL leading to satisfactory recovery. Conclusion: In the case of Lead toxicity, early diagnosis, careful evaluation of complications, and immediate treatment are very important. As a preventive measure, medical systems need to educate and collaborate with traditional practitioners in the best interest of tribal people residing in remote areas of India.