Hazardous Consumer Products
Some consumer products contain dangerous chemicals or metals such as lead, mercury, or arsenic. These types of products can cause serious health problems, including damage to the brain, nervous system and reproductive system.
Learn more about the following types of products that may be harmful:
- Ceramic and Metal Ware
- Cosmetics and Cultural/Religious Powders
- Skin Lightening Products
- Foods and Spices
- Supplements and Remedies
- Jewelry, Amulets/Tabiz and Toys
If you use these types of products, ask your health care provider to test you for lead and other heavy metals. For help finding a provider, call 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692). For questions about hazardous products, call 311 or the NYC Poison Center at 212-POISONS (212-764-7667). For questions about lead, call 646-632-6023.
Information for Businesses
Information for Public Health Professionals
Heavy metal exposures associated with the use of consumer products is an on-going public health concern in NYC. These products are often made abroad and may be brought into NYC during travel or through import. Explore resources for public health professionals working to address hazardous products.
- Hazardous Consumer Products: Information for Public Health Professionals
- Metal Content of Consumer Products Tested by NYC Department of Health
- NYC Data Portal
Additional Resources
- South Asians and Lead Poisoning (PDF)
Other Languages: বাংলা | हिन्दी | اردو - May Contain Lead Warning Ads (PDF)
Other Languages: বাংলা | हिन्दी | اردو - Lead, Mercury and Arsenic in Consumer Products Fact Sheet (PDF)
Other Languages: Español | Русский | বাংলা | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | ײִדיש | العربية | Français | اردو | हिन्दी | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ | Português - Publications and Alerts
- Product Recalls and Safety Alerts
- Metal Content of Consumer Products Tested by NYC Department of Health
- CDC: Scientific Publications on Lead
- EPA: Heavy Metals in Cultural Products