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: 
  • 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. 
  • 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.