Dangerous Dominican Powder

An article in the Nov. 6, 2003 issue of the New York Times, written by Richard Pérez-Peña, reported on a highly poisonous powder sold to Dominicans to treat everything from body odor to foot odor. The powder, called litargirio, contains high levels of lead and can cause irreversible brain damage. It is usually sprinkled on the skin; the danger arises when it gets on the hands and is accidently ingested.

The substance, manufactured in the Dominican Republic, is usually distributed as a yellow or orange powder in cellophane packets.

If taken, call a doctor immediately to get a blood test for lead.