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Heavy metal contamination in Kanpur’s industrial areas is causing respiratory and lung diseases among residents, reports say
An environmental survey conducted in industrial areas in Kanpur has found that the soil and water are loaded with heavy metals like mercury and chromium – which are highly toxic and hazardous to human health. According to the interim report filed in the National Green Tribunal, traces of these metals at dangerous levels are causing serious lung, liver and respiratory diseases among the residents. Read on to know the health risks.
The most serious cases of metal poisoning affect children and fetuses of pregnant women.
A recent environmental survey conducted in the industrial areas of Kanpur has revealed that the soil and water are loaded with heavy metals. According to the interim report filed in the National Green Tribunal, dangerous levels of chromium and mercury are poisoning people living in these areas – causing serious lung, liver and respiratory diseases.
amicus curiae was appointed to the case earlier this year and was allowed to inspect industrial areas in Kanpur and adjoining districts of Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat and Fatehpur districts.
The report accused industrial units, especially tanneries, of discharging effluents without treatment or partial treatment, causing skin diseases and lung and liver problems among residents of the Jajmau industrial area. Traces of chromium and mercury were found in 44 people, as well as asthma and even mental health problems.
Dangerous health effects of mercury and chromium
According to experts, exposure to chromium and mercury – even in small amounts – can cause serious health problems and is a threat to the baby’s development in utero and early in life. Mercury can have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, and on the lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes.
what is mercury poisoning,
Mercury is poisonous and harmful to the human body. Mercury poisoning occurs when you expose yourself to too much mercury and your body reacts negatively to this compound. Doctors say the most serious cases of mercury poisoning affect children and the fetuses of pregnant women who consume large amounts of fish with high mercury content.
Once ingested, mercury reaches your heart, central nervous system, and kidneys, causing symptoms as your immune system tries to expel the compound in the same way it attacks bacteria or germs. Attacks. Some signs and symptoms include:
- cough
- respiratory distress
- feeling a metallic taste in your mouth
- nausea and vomiting
- bleeding and swollen gums
- a burning sensation in your stomach and throat
- Diarrhea
- blood in vomit or stool
- change in urine color
- Feeling slight pain in some parts of your body.
- shocks
- unsteady gait
- double vision or blurred vision; blindness
- memory loss
- seizure
How are mercury and chromium poisoning treated?
According to experts, your symptoms are treated quickly and vary depending on the type of exposure to chemicals, including:
- chelation therapy
- Oxygen through face mask
- medicine to treat symptoms
- dialysis
- surgery to remove 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 human health. You can avoid falling ill in the following ways:
- 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.
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