Lead Poisoning by Cosmetics.
The death of a young lady in New York, from lead poisoning by the excessive use of cosmetics, has called out from Dr. Hammond the statement that the case was not an uncommon one. "Lead poisoning," he said, "occurs more frequently than is generally thought. The public rarely hear of such cases. It is only once in a while that cases like that of Miss Blanchard attract the attention of the public outside of the medical profession. The use of any kind of cosmetics, even if not habitually indulged in, is attended with danger. There are very few, if any, that do not contain white lead. This poison is used in the manufacture of face powders, face washes, and hair dyes. Minute particles enter the skin, and are taken up by the blood and communicated to the system. It produces various effects. Paralysis, colic, prostration of the nervous system, and insanity are among the frequent results of its introduction into the system. A very distressing case came under my notice a few days ago, in the wife of the Governor of one of the Western States. She had been in the habit of using a certain hair dye—I forget the name at the present moment—which contained white lead in a large proportion. She became hopelessly insane, and death ensued finally. Another case was that of a young lady who used a so-called 'bloom of youth.' In this case paralysis preceded death."—Christian Advocate.