Toxic Wheat | 13 Mar 2025
Why in News?
A study by Padma Shri Dr. Himmatrao Bawaskar links the unexplained hair loss in Maharashtra's Buldhana district to toxic elements in wheat consumption.
Key Points
- Contaminated Wheat:
- A month-long study found that Public Distribution System (PDS) wheat contained dangerously high selenium levels and significantly low zinc content.
- Lab tests detected selenium levels of 14.52 mg/kg, far exceeding the normal 1.9 mg/kg.
- The wheat consignments originated from Punjab.
- A month-long study found that Public Distribution System (PDS) wheat contained dangerously high selenium levels and significantly low zinc content.
- Rapid Onset of Alopecia:
- Villagers developed total baldness within 3-4 days of symptom onset.
- Around 300 individuals across 18 villages, including college students and young girls, suffered severe hair loss between December 2024 and January 2025.
- Excess Selenium and Zinc Deficiency:
- Tests on affected individuals showed:
- 35-fold increase in blood selenium levels
- 60-fold increase in urine selenium levels
- 150-fold increase in hair selenium levels
- The study suggests excess selenium intake directly caused the outbreak, while low zinc levels worsened the condition.
- Tests on affected individuals showed:
- Social Impact:
- The condition has affected people aged 8 to 72 years, leading to social stigma, disrupted education, and postponed marriages.
- Many children have stopped attending school and college due to the psychological impact.
- Further Investigations:
- Scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) collected water and soil samples and submitted its report to the central government.
- Dr. Bawaskar has not yet submitted his study report to the administration.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- It is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research.
- Its mandate is to conduct, coordinate and implement medical research for the benefit of the Society; translating medical innovations into products/processes and introducing them into the public health system.
- It is funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Selenium
- Selenium is an essential mineral, and is crucial for various bodily functions, including metabolism, thyroid function, and immune health.
- Rich food sources include Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, poultry, and organ meats.
- Selenium Toxicity symptoms are nausea, vomiting, nail and hair discoloration, brittleness, and loss, fatigue, irritability, and foul breath odor.
Zinc
- It is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including immune system function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
- Zinc deficiency can lead to various health problems, including hair loss, impaired immune function, and delayed wound healing, and can be caused by inadequate intake, malabsorption, or increased needs.