In remote areas of India, folk medicine by local unregistered practitioners is quite common. Such practitioners use Sindoor or Vermillion, or Kumkum in their medicinal preparations to cure chronic ailments like joint pain, infertility, asthenia, impotence, and immunological disorders. Traditional Indian Vermillion is prepared using lime (calcium component) mixed with various natural ingredients like camphor, oil, agaru, sandalwood paste, and turmeric. However, modern-day commercial Vermillion contains Lead tetroxide. The use of such lustrous synthetic Vermillion that contains Lead salts in folk medicine may cause Lead intoxication among the consumer tribal population.
Case Report: The case of a 51-year-old male admitted to our tertiary care institute with colicky abdominal pain and quadriparesis and a history of chronic tea intake containing synthetic Vermillion and turmeric as prescribed by local folk medicine practitioners is presented.
Discussion: People in remote areas of the tribal-state of Chhattisgarh (India) often consult a local traditional healer first and report to a modern health facility when things go out of hand. The instant case presented after development of quadriparesis, dysphagia, and dysphonia. He was diagnosed as a case of Lead toxicity based on clinical suspicion corroborated by blood Lead levels and was conservatively managed with BAL leading to satisfactory recovery. Conclusion: In the case of Lead toxicity, early diagnosis, careful evaluation of complications, and immediate treatment are very important. As a preventive measure, medical systems need to educate and collaborate with traditional practitioners in the best interest of tribal people residing in remote areas of India.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in monitoring the heavy metal Lead (Pb) concentration in spices. Spices can improve the taste of food and can also be a source of many bioactive compounds, but, unfortunately, can also be contaminated with potentially dangerous substances like the heavy metal lead (Pb). This study was conducted to investigate Pb contamination in selected spices commonly consumed in India. Samples of Black Pepper powder, Chat Masala, Chili powder, Curry powder, Garam Masala and Turmeric powder from 15 selected stores across Kolkata, India, were collected using the Market Basket survey method and tested using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry for the level of Pb in each sample. Samples were found to have Pb levels below the FAQ/WHO levels of 0.3µg/gm except for Turmeric powder and Chili powder. The highest levels of Pb was found in Chili powder and Turmeric powder, which greatly exceeded the permissible amounts. Since these spice powders have widespread and very common uses across India, chronic and long term exposure can lead to elevated blood lead levels and cause hazardous accumulation of Pb in body.
Rice, wheat, and maize grains are staple foods, widely consumed for their mineral and nutritional values. However, they can accumulate toxic elements from contaminated soils, posing health risks. This study investigates the bioaccumulation patterns of 52 elements (including nutrients, heavy metals, and rare earth elements) in various parts (grain, husk, straw, and root) of cereals grown in a heavily polluted region. The results revealed that rice grains exhibited a higher accumulation (Σ33.4 mg/kg) of toxic elements (As, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Pb) than wheat (Σ26.6 mg/kg) and maize (Σ16.2 mg/kg) grains, with the high-yield RI64 cultivar (Σ47.0 mg/kg) being the most susceptible. Across the rice plant, accumulation increased in the order of grain < husk < straw < root. Elements like P, K, Cu, and Zn showed the highest enrichment. Worryingly, the most toxic elements, such as As, Pb, and Cd, exceeded permissible limits across grains, straws, and husks. Health risk assessment indicated that wheat and maize pose greater non-cancer and cancer risks than rice. Despite being grown in a highly contaminated region, the study identifies some rice cultivars like Luchai and Sarna as relatively safer options due to a lower accumulation of toxic elements.
Studies on hazardous metals pollution through various processes of utilization of the Assam (India) coals suffer from the lack of reliable information on the level of trace and heavy metals in them. Four representative coal samples with high sulphur from Ledo, Tikak, Tipong and Baragolai collieries of Makum coalfield, Assam, India were studied for the occurrence of Al, Bi Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V, and Zn by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) methods. Six of the metals (Cd, Cr, Co, Mn, Ni, and Pb) found to be present in low to moderate concentrations were identified as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) USA. The concentration of Fe, Mg and Al was observed to be higher than the rest of the metals. Significant variation of these metal contents in the four coals samples was observed with no noteworthy statistical relationship with the ash and carbon contents of the coals. The concentrations of metals in the samples are within the average world coal range. It was also observed that there is no definite trend of metal concentration with reference to different collieries of Assam. The association of some metals in the coal matrix was also discussed. XRD and FT-IR patterns of the coals also supported the presence of these metals.
Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Free radical generation appears to be the mode of lead toxicity.
We evaluated the effects of blood lead levels on oxidative stress parameters in children suffering from neurological disorders. Thirty children (aged 3–12 years) with neurological disorders (cerebral palsy [n = 12], seizures [n = 11], and encephalopathy [n = 7]) were recruited in the study group. Sixty healthy children (aged 3–12 years) from similar socio-economic environments and not suffering from any chronic disease were taken as the controls. Blood lead levels and oxidant/antioxidant status were determined.
Mean blood lead level was significantly higher while δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity, a biomarker for lead exposure, was significantly lower in the study group as compared to the control group (P < 0.05 for each). Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, an end-product of lipid peroxidation, were significantly higher while the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly lower in the study group as compared to the control group (P < 0.05 for each). Activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were significantly higher in the study group than those of the control group (P < 0.05 for each). There were significant negative correlations of blood lead levels with δ-ALAD (r = −0.35; P < 0.05) and GSH (r = −0.31; P < 0.05), and positive correlations with MDA (r = 0.37; P < 0.05), SOD (r = 0.53; P < 0.05), and CAT (r = 0.31; P < 0.05). In turn, δ-ALAD had significant negative correlations with MDA (r = −0.29; P < 0.05), SOD (r = −0.28; P < 0.05) and CAT (r = −0.34; P < 0.05), but positive correlation with GSH (r = 0.32; P < 0.05).
Although a causal pathway can not be determined from the present study, our findings indicate lead-induced oxidative stress in blood of children with neurological disorders. Lead-induced oxidative stress as an underlying mechanism for neurological diseases in children warranted further investigation.
Childhood lead exposure remains a key health concern for officials worldwide, contributing some 600,000 new cases of intellectually disabled children annually. Most children affected by high exposure to lead live in low- and middle-income countries. The leaded gasoline phase out in India was completed in 2000. Yet, in 2020, an estimated 275 million children aged 0 to 9 years had blood lead levels (BLLs) over 5 μg/dL known to adversely affect intelligence and behavior. Lead sources reported in India include spices, cookware, paint, traditional medicines and cosmetics, and lead-acid battery recycling and repair. However, their relative contribution has not been characterized. More than 200 lead pollution sites related to battery recycling and repair activities were identified in Bihar and Jharkhand, India. Ninety percent of the recycling sites had soil lead concentrations exceeding the US Environmental Protection Agency’s standards. We compared blood and environmental lead levels in two groups of children in Patna, Bihar. Households in proximity to battery recycling operations (Proximal n = 67) versus households distal to these operations (Distal n = 68). The average age of children was 40 months; 46% were female. Overall, the geometric mean (GM) BLL was 11.6 μg/dL. GM BLLs of children in Proximal and Distal households were not significantly different (10.2 μg/dL vs. 13.1 μg/dL respectively; p0.07). About 87% children, 56 Proximal and 62 Distal had BLLs >5 μg/dl. Lead concentrations in environmental samples were significantly higher in Proximal households (soil mean 9.8 vs. 1.6 μg/ft2; dust mean 52.9 vs. 29.9 μg/ft2 p<0.001; Proximal vs. Distal respectively) whereas concentrations in all spices were higher in Distal households (mean 46.8 vs 134.5 ppm p<0.001; Proximal vs. Distal respectively), and turmeric (mean 59.4 vs. 216.9 ppm Proximal vs. Distal respectively). In multivariate analyses for all children, lead in spices and turmeric and number of rooms in the house were significant while for the Proximal group only lead in spices remained in the model. The predictive value of these models was poor. For the Distal group, a model with lead concentration in spices, turmeric and soil and number of rooms in the house was a much better fit. Of the 34 water samples collected, 7 were above the Indian standard of 10 ppb for lead in drinking water (2 in the Proximal area, 5 in the Distal area). Children in Patna, Bihar, India are exposed to multiple sources of lead, with lead levels in house dust and loose, locally sourced spices the most likely to increase blood lead levels. A holistic approach to blood lead testing and source identification and remediation are necessary to prevent lead exposure
Blood samples collected from five different villages around a derelict Lead mine area of Sundargarh district of Odisha state, India, were analyzed by AAS for lead contents. The village Bharatpur is nearby to mining site and other villages are of 1km distance from each other in between 5km radius. The village Jhimirmaul is nearby to tailing dam and river Ichha nala, which is the main drainage system of the mine. A total of 363 blood samples were collected and IQ of each individual was analyzed using AAMR Adaptive Behavior Scale from the villages such as Bharatpur (BP), Sargipalli (SP), Jhargaon (JG), Jhimirimoul(JM), and Sribhubanpur (SB).Finally regression analysis between the two variables was made and obtained that IQ values are linear functions of Blood lead Concentration suggesting impact of Plumbism on Neural Coordination and Cognitive behavior.
Lead Tetroxide (Pb3O4, red lead) has been found as an adulterant in sindoor, known as vermillion, is a yellow, maroon, or crimson tiny particles used by Hindus for cultural as well as for religious reasons. Sindoor powder is frequently tinted with red lead to create a rich red color. While many individuals believe that cosmetics are pure, multiple studies have revealed that the majority of cosmetics include heavy metals and other toxins. The harmful health consequences of lead poisoning have been widely documented. A fast inspection or “search” method for provisional detection of powders was tested utilizing an X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) lead paint commercially supplied testing kit for use by state health agencies. Field sampling methods, besides prediction values targeted at samples containing 3×105 µg/g lead have all been extensively altered. The above-mentioned measures were 100 percent in the samples containing 3×105 µg/g lead, although the Confidence Intervals (CIs) showed a wide variation. Also concentration of 5,110 µg/g was unable to be definitely identified using any field inspection method. Colorimetric and semi-quantitative XRF studies effectively identified lead in samples with higher Pb levels (>3×105 µg/g lead), but not in those with lower Pb levels. According to the results, health department inspectors cannot utilize screening kit as a fast field test for sindoor. In a word, these results emphasize the significance of sindoor threat monitoring.
Our study aimed at comparing lead and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels in capillary and venous blood samples in a small population and to employ an easier method of sample collection for a major screening program in school children in major Indian cities. An awareness program on lead and its effects was conducted in two different schools. A total of thirty urban school children from South India, with an age group between 4 – 12 years consented for dual blood sampling and reported for the study. Venous and capillary blood samples were obtained simultaneously. Blood lead and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels were estimated using ESA Lead Analyzer and Haematofluorometer respectively. A significant correlation between capillary and venous ZPP (r = 0.98) and lead (r = 0.99) was observed. Rank sum test showed that there is no statistically significant difference between capillary and venous ZPP (P= 0.891) and lead ( P = 0.672) values. This pilot study recommends that screening for lead may be done using capillary blood samples since significant correlation is observed between capillary and venous blood measurements. Obtaining samples using this mode is a non-invasive, less expensive, quick and easy method in children. Appropriately performed capillary sampling may be considered as an acceptable alternative to venipuncture for screening of blood for lead poisoning both in children and adults.
Street dust of Korba, Chhattisgarh, an urban industrial hub in one of India’s major coal mining areas, has been analysed for profiling and sourcing of Pb and other potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Lead isotopic ratio of dust, coal, diesel, fly ash and human blood of Korba is being reported for the first time in this study. The mean concentrations (in mg/kg) of Al, V, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were higher than World Background soil and Reference soil USA values and decreased in the order of Al (17000) > Fe (7550) > Mn (2740) > Cr (833) > Ni (571) > Zn (231) > Cu (152) > V (145) > Pb (98.6) > U (7.9) > Cd (1.34). About 25% of the sampled dust had Pb Igeo belonging to class IV category of heavy contamination. Dust from industrial areas was highly enriched with Cr, Cu, Pb and Mn, while those from coal mining areas had high mean V concentration. Principal component analysis extracted Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb and U with the highest loading factors in Component 1 indicative of their lithogenic and anthropogenic sources. The lead isotopic ratios of the dust, coal, diesel, fly ash and eight human blood samples clustered linearly in the 207Pb/204Pb vs 208Pb/204Pb and 206Pb/204Pb vs 208Pb/204Pb plots. Airborne lead deposition from diesel-based traffic exhausts and fly ash contributed to the human blood lead level besides coal mining activities. Geospatially, while Pb was mainly concentrated in the residential, industrialand coal-mining areas, Zn and Mn were mainly distributed in the roadside areas of industrial centres.
The present study deals with the status of serum lead (Pb) level among preschool children in Bhubaneswar Block, Odisha by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) anatytical methodology. Among the study population, 20.1% chiidren were detected with lead in their serum with mean lead level 0.29 t 0.66 ppm.The study shows that this area is not contaminated with lead above normal level but lead contamination has started affecting. So precaution should be taken to make the area lead free for fufure generation.
Indian cat fish Clarias batrachus, Linn. was treated with various concentrations of Lead acetate for 48 hrs . The LC50 determined by straight line graphical interpolation method was found to be 500ppm.The plot obtained is called as “Concentration- response relationship” curve. Similarly, the LT50 of various concentrations were determined by “time-response relationship” curve and found to be 45 days for 25 ppm, 40 days for 50 ppm, 37 days for 75 ppm, 35 days for 100 ppm, 30 days for 125 ppm, 28 days for 150 ppm and 150 days for 15 ppm.. The behavioural changes observed in the experiment includes hyper activity, loss of balance, vertical and downward swimming pattern, frequent surfacing activity convulsion, difficulty in breathing and mucus secretion over the body. No behavioural changes or death were observed in the control group during the experiment. The results of the study showed that, acute lead toxicity severely affects the normal behaviour and results in death.
The Subarnarekha river passes through the major mining sites of coal, radioactive Uranium, heavy metals like Copper, Iron Aluminum etc.and the main industrial areas in Jharkhand. The tailings and slag deposits near the river stretch contaminates the water body with heavy metals and this poses a serious threat to the biodiversity of the river and also to the human population residing nearby. The heavy metals do not degrade naturally and result in bioacumulation into the various food chains. Thus periodic assessment of these pollutants is necessary so that timely measures can be taken by the government and industries to ensure that the so-called ‘lifeline’ of Jharkhand, the Subarnarekha river does not become toxic and a curse for the environment and thus, mankind.
Mining involves various activities for extraction of minerals and metals from the earth. The heavy metal content of these samples obtained from mine site to study the distribution pattern of trace metals due to mining activity. Results indicated that the soil samples collected showed very high content of heavy metals, especially, iron being determined in the range of 2092- 3106 mg-Kg-1 and highest concentration of it was 5284 mg-Kg-1 in blended hematite quartz (BHQ) soil sample. However, the concentrations of trace metals in the water samples were still within the permissible limits according to the drinking water quality standards of World Health Organization (WHO). To the date, extensive mining activities have not made any significant contribution to the heavy metal content of the studied water samples. The present study envisages on quantitative determination and impact of heavy metals in the surface water and soil samples due to mining.
India is a very great country because there are so many religions and so many festivals of them. All the religions have same respects in here. One of the beautiful and very old religions is ‘Hindudharma’ in here. It is a biggest religion in here. Maximum populations follow this religion in India. ‘Sindoor’ is an important part of this religion. Actually Sindoor is a red colour which is used in festival, worship of god, and married woman uses as a sign of marriage. This colour is used in here because red colour is a symbol of energy and log life in this religion. Modern sindoor mainly uses vermilion, which is an orange-red pigment. Vermilion is the purified and powdered form of cinnabar, which is the chief form in which mercury sulfide naturally occurs. As with other compounds of mercury, sindoor is toxic and must be handled carefully. Sometimes, red lead (lead tetroxide, also known as minimum) is added to sindoor. Red lead is toxic and a known carcinogen for laboratory animals, though its carcinogenicity to humans has not been established. Traditional sindoor was made with turmeric and alum or lime, or from other herbal ingredients. Unlike red lead and vermilion, these are not poisonous. In early 2008, allegations of high lead content led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to recall batches of sindoor from several manufacturers.
Determination of the certain major and trace elements was carried out in drinking water supply scheme in three districts of Meghalaya. This work aims to identify trends resulting in the deterioration of drinking water which is also a potential source of environmental contaminants. About 50 samples, each from one district, were collected both from the source and various tanks and tap. The elements determined are Li, Na, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Ag, Au, Pb, Cd, Se, Ca, K, and Mg. The pH is slightly lower than neutral pH of 7 while the turbidity is very high even after treatment. The concentrations of Ca and Mg are found to be deficient. The elements Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Mo, and Pb decrease after treatment while Mn, Cu, and Cd increase slightly after treatment. Se concentration is found to be much higher than expected. The results were compared with the standard recommendation values for the quality of drinking water. This study provides a general indication of where water-quality constituent concentrations met or exceeded water-quality standards and the data presented in this report will be useful from public health point of view.
