A RECENTLY conducted study by researchers at Children's Hospital in Boston together with the Harvard School of Public Health has revealed presence of high lead content in Indian spices. Over consumption of lead could lead to fatal consequences in case of children.
Scientists visited 15 speciality stores in the city, and examined the contents of 71 cultural powders and 86 spices and food products. The results were quite shocking, with 25 per cent of the spices studied, including cardamom, fenugreek and chilli powder, containing high lead content (1mg lead for each gram of product).
Scientists visited 15 speciality stores in the city, and examined the contents of 71 cultural powders and 86 spices and food products. The results were quite shocking, with 25 per cent of the spices studied, including cardamom, fenugreek and chilli powder, containing high lead content (1mg lead for each gram of product).
Explaining the mysterious presence of lead in food items, Padma Shri and Dr B C Roy National Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal, President of Heart Care Foundation of India, said that leaded gasoline is commonly used in several countries. The fumes from the car exhaust seep into the soil, contaminating it with lead, and when food products are sowed in this soil they also become contaminated.
The doctor further pointed out that not only food, but also one’s work environment could lead to lead poisoning. Work settings with high lead exposure include - manufacturing or use of batteries, pigments, solder, ammunitions, paint, car radiators, cable and wires, some cosmetics, ceramic ware with lead glazes, and tin cans. Also, home-made alcohol ("moonshine"), adulterated Ayurvedic ‘bhasma’ medications, and food cooked in lead-glazed utensils could cause lead poisoning.
“It has been shown that women use herbal supplements have blood lead levels 10 per cent higher than non-users,” said Dr Anita Kant, Chief Gynaecologist, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences.
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