Stanislaus County Public Health officials are warning parents against using certain folk remedies after two Modesto children were hospitalized for lead poisoning.

The children, a 4-year-old boy and his 6-year-old sister, were given a folk remedy called Greta, a yellow powder used to treat "empacho," or upset stomach.

Greta is almost 100 percent lead and is poisonous to children and adults.

Such folk remedies are commonly used by immigrant Hispanic, Hmong and East Indian families. Greta and other products like it are banned for sale in the United States.

The children were fed the Greta by family members who brought the product from Mexico, authorities said.

To spread the word against using such products as Greta, county health officials also are issuing warnings through Spanish television, radio and newspaper public service announcements.

County health officials learned of the children's condition earlier this month after the 4-year-old tested positive for lead during a routine physical exam, said Dr. Alvaro Garza, the county's public health officer.

The level of lead in the boy's blood was 88 micrograms. A level higher than 70 micrograms is considered a medical emergency, Garza said. The girl's lead level was 60 micrograms.

County health officials investigate a case when the level of lead in a child's blood exceeds 20 micrograms.

Neither child showed any symptoms of illness before they were hospitalized, Garza said. Family members told health officials the children were given doses as much as one teaspoon.

"He probably had been given the Greta for some time but he hadn't been tested (for lead)," Garza said. "People bring (the remedies) over from their home countries. They just don't know what it really is and what it can do."

The boy was hospitalized for five days and given medicine which binds the lead and helps the body expel it at a faster rate. His sister was given the same treatment over a two-day period. Without any medical care, lead can remain in the body as long as 20 years.

Two other children, cousins of the siblings, also tested positive for lead but didn't need hospitalization, Garza said.

Lead poisoning can cause harmful, long-lasting effects -- especially in children. It's been linked to behavioral problems and learning disabilities and can damage the kidneys, brain and nervous system.

Extremely high blood lead levels can trigger seizures, coma and even death. But unless those levels are very high, children don't display any symptoms of illness. Those symptoms include headaches, irritability, weakness, stomach pain and vomiting.

Parents who suspect their children might have consumed any products with lead should ask their medical provider to test them. Most private insurance companies cover the cost of the test. Families without insurance may qualify for free health examinations through their county's Child Health and Disability Prevention program.

For more information about lead poisoning, contact the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 558-8858; in Spanish, 558-4808. In Merced County, call 385-7710, Ext. 6094; in San Joaquin County, call 468-3824.

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee.