Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 14 Dec 2024
Heavy Metal Contamination In Kanpur Industrial Areas Causing Respiratory and Lung Diseases in Residents, Says Report
The most severe cases of metal poisoning affect children and fetuses of pregnant women
A recent environmental survey conducted along the industrial areas in Kanpur has found the soil and water are loaded with heavy metals. According to the interim report filed in the National Green Tribunal, traces of dangerous levels of chromium and mercury are poisoning people living in these areas—causing serious lung, liver, and respiratory diseases.
The amicus curiae had been appointed in the case earlier this year and allowed permission to inspect industrial areas in Kanpur and adjoining districts of Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, and Fatehpur districts.
The report accuses industrial units, especially tanneries, of discharging effluents without treatment or partial treatment, which has caused skin diseases and lung and liver issues among the residents of the Jajmau industrial area. Traces of chromium and mercury were found in 44 people, along with asthma and even mental health issues.
Hazardous health effects of mercury and chromium
According to experts, exposure to chromium and mercury—even small amounts—can lead to serious health issues and is a threat to the development of the child in utero and early in life. Mercury may have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, and on the lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes.
What is mercury poisoning?
Mercury is toxic and harmful to the human body. Mercury poisoning occurs when you expose yourself to too much mercury and your body reacts negatively to the compound. Doctors say the most severe cases of mercury poisoning affect children and foetuses of pregnant women consume large amounts of fish with high mercury content.
Once ingested, mercury travels to your heart, central nervous system, and kidneys, leading to symptoms caused by your immune system trying to get the compound out in the same way it would attack bacteria or germs. A few signs and symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Breathing trouble
- The feeling of a metallic taste in your mouth
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bleeding and swollen gums
- Burning sensation in your stomach and throat
- Diarrhoea
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Change in colour of urine
- Feeling a dull pain in certain parts of your body.
- Tremors
- Unsteady walk
- Double vision or blurry vision; blindness
- Memory loss
- Seizures
How is treatment for mercury and chromium poisoning done?
According to experts, the treatment of your symptoms quickly follows and varies based on the type of exposure to the chemicals, which includes:
- Chelation therapy
- Oxygen through a face mask
- Medicine to treat symptoms
- Dialysis
- Surgery to remove the chemicals
Ways to prevent metal contamination in your body
Heavy metal contamination in soil and water is a global concern affecting the environment with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and the health of human beings. You can prevent falling sick by:
- Limiting the amount of fish you eat
- Wearing personal protective equipment when handling chemicals and compounds
- Avoid areas in your environment where mercury and chromium are present
- Replace old amalgam fillings in your teeth with a safer alternative.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.