Maharashtra

• 13 Mar 2025

Toxic Wheat

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. 
• 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.