Lead Content High In Raw Foods Items In Kolkata - Finds Survey

Most of us have an opinion that consuming raw foods, especially vegetables are good for one's health, but a new study has found that raw foods can actually be harmful for your health.

A new survey recently conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has found that the raw foods sold in most of the markets have lead concentrations way above the permissible limits. Excess lead in the body is known for causing permanent damage to the major human organs.

During the survey, samples of raw food items comprising of polished rice, red lentil (masoor dal), red spinach, chicken, fish (without scales), biscuits, cumin seeds and also medicinal herb like tulsi were collected from 12 markets across the city.

When these samples were tested for lead concentration, the result was shocking. It showed a mean Lead (Pb) concentration between 3.78 and 43.35 mg/kg (average 23.56 mg/kg).

According to Avijijt Das, senior scientist of GSI who headed the two-year long survey said that "The mean Lead concentration found in the raw food materials is very high compared to the threshold value of 2.5mg/kg specified by Food Safety & Standards Regulation (2011), India."

Meanwhile, the study also concluded that atmospheric lead, which is mainly produced by the combustion of diesel contributed to the majority (about 75 percent) of lead contamination in the food items that were taken up during the survey.

When a person is exposed to toxic lead for a longer period of time then it can cause serious damage of the major organs especially the kidneys and the liver. Also the most worrying fact is that children are among the worst affected as this can affect the growth of their brain.

The study was recently published in the peer reviewed International journals of Environmental Science and Technology (2017) and "Environmental Science and Pollution Research (2016).

Also if you want to know the side-effects of lead poisoning then you need to check here.

Symptoms of lead poisoning in adults:

• Abdominal Pain
• Headache
• High Blood Pressure
• Joint & Muscle Pain
• Reduce Sperm Count
• Miscarriage
• Lack of concentration and memory loss

Symptoms of lead poisoning in children:

• Delayed brain development
• Difficulty in learning
• Irritation
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Abdomen pain
• Constipation
• Vomiting

(With Agency Inputs)