Save your children; Indian spices contain lead

By Sudarshan Kumar   |   Saturday, 10 April 2010, 19:04 IST
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Save your children; Indian spices contain lead
Bangalore: If your child ingests Indian spices and ceremonial powders like vermilion, or sindoor, you need to be aware of the fact that these spices contain a very high level of lead to the tune of 67 percent which is much above the permitted levels by European Union and U.S. Foods and Drugs Administration. In the recent study conducted by American researchers, it is found that the aromatic herbs and spices that go into making delicious Indian curries have lead and can cause serious lead poisoning especially among children. This revelation came after a research into four cases of lead poisoning in children in Boston from 2006 to 2008. Though the levels are below the European Union's acceptable threshold of two to three mcg/g of lead, the authors of the study said that the presence of lead in these products, regardless of the amount, is a reason for concern as it could potentially add to exposure from other sources of neurotoxin in a child's environment. "Although powders are not meant for consumption, we speculate that infants may inadvertently be exposed by hand-to-mouth transference of typically applied powders or by hands of parents who handle the powders and then prepare foods for infant's consumption," said Dr. Cristiane Gurgel Lin, MD, PHD, of Children's General Hospital in Boston and colleagues in Pediatrics. This issue also becomes serious, as in the last few years, lead poisoning has become one of the serious health issues among children, and there has been growing awareness among parents to not let their young ones play with toys and colors containing lead. A number of samples collected for the study in revealed that out of 86 Indian spices, 22 had high lead content including spices such as cardamom, fenugreek and chili powder. Studies have also shown that a blood level of 10 mcg of lead per deciliter of blood is associated with potentially irreversible harm, although recent studies have shown that as little as 5 mcg/dL can also be dangerous. Speaking on the issue, S. Kannan, Director, Marketing, Spices Board said, "We will collect samples of all the spices which have been reported to contain lead, and send for laboratory tests." Lead poisoning has some of the serious ill effects on the health of children below six years of age. It can cause nervous system injury, seizures, brain damage, mental retardation, coma or even death. According to recent study it can even lead to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and can cause depression, panic disorders and even kidney damage. Lin who is also the lead author of the study said, "In severe cases of prolonged poisoning, however, the cognitive and developmental damages may be permanent." With all the parents now needed to be careful while feeding Indian foods to their children, it is also important for the Government to come forward and take necessary steps. Dr. Deepak Ugra, President, Indian Academy of Pediatrics said, "We need to study, serum Lead levels in at randomly selected children from different cultural backgrounds, as dietary habits are grossly different in different parts of our country. It?s only after analyzing the data that we can decide, what should be the next step."

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