Toxic chemicals in food chain

We are alarmed at the news item that scientists have discovered high concentration of toxic chemicals like cadmium, lead and chromium in fertilisers that are being used by our farmers for better yield of agricultural produce. Zinc, cadmium and lead are basic ingredients for manufacturing batteries and tin but zinc fertiliser is being used in Bangladesh for the last three decades to save soil from sterility. 

Experts are of the opinion that such harmful chemicals, if used for a long time, find their way into the food chain and thereby put human health at considerable risk. On top of that, if the situation is not reversed toxic chemicals are likely to endanger microscopic organisms and eventually the entire agriculture ecosystem of the country. Prof Dr ABM Faroque of the department of pharmacy of the University of Dhaka has to say that once in food chain, cadmium and lead could affect liver, kidney and cause blood cancer and thalassemia. Chromium in blood could affect human reproductive system resulting in the birth of deformed babies. The vulnerability of the consumers therefore is obvious and it needs to be addressed without further loss of time. 

Some good words must be said about the Soil Resources Development Institute (SRDI) which has been able to identify highest 40,258 ppm (parts per million) cadmium and 31,292 ppm lead in zinc sulphate, whereas the allowable level of cadmium and lead is only 10 ppm and 100 ppm respectively. Furthermore, the experts suspect that manufacturers use expired battery cells, waste of tin or steel as zinc for low cost. We wonder with so much risks in evidence around how the various government agencies responsible for checking such things could remain oblivious to the danger for such a long time! 

There is no scope for debate on the importance of launching a massive laboratory testing campaign pertaining to chemicals and other substances being used in crops, vegetables, bottled water, soft drinks, confectionary items and other varieties of finished foods. Such action no doubt would go a long way in ensuring safety of the health of the citizens of the country. We are reassured by the fact that agriculture minister Matia Chowdhury has spoken about taking action against fertiliser adulteration. We only hope her words would be translated into action very soon.




Shariful Alam