23% samples positive for lead poisoning

Mumbai, June 11 

Days after lead was found in instant food Maggi that had raised concerns over packed food items, an analysis of blood samples collected over a period of one year from across the country has revealed that over 23 per cent of the total samples tested positive with lead poisoning.

A WHO study said lead exposure is estimated to account for 1,43,000 deaths per year with the highest burden in developing regions.

Recently, popular noodles 'Maggi' has come under regulatory scanner after samples collected in various parts of the country were found containing added monosodium glutamate (MSG) and lead in excess of the permissible limit and its sale banned in many states. "A pan-India analysis of 733 blood samples collected over last one year has revealed that 23.47 per cent (172 samples) of the total samples tested positive with Lead poisoning," Dr Sandeep Warghade, Consulting Pathologist Metropolis Healthcare told reporters here.

Lead poisoning is a cumulative toxicant, particularly harmful to young children and can affect multiple body systems, he said.

The analysis was done by the Metropolis Healthcare. He said lead poisoning is tested using high sensitivity technology called ICPMS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) and Graphite Furnace Atomic absorption spectrometry. Blood, serum and urine samples can also be tested for lead. — PTI