environmental pollutants and their clinical significance
TRANSCRIPT
Environmental Pollutants and their clinical significanceDR ROHINI C SANE
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS
• Environmental pollutants are present in environment which produce abnormality in the metabolisms.
• Sources of pollutant—air, water, food
Artificial chemicals blood levels -lethal dose (per grams )leading to DEATH
Cyanide 1 mg
Methanol 80 mg
Ethanol 10 g
Morphine .005 mg
Lead 80 mg
Sources of pollutant—air, water, food
Types of chemical Toxicity
Chronic Toxicity
Comparison of Acute vs Chronic Toxicity
Cyanide poisoningOccurrence
• Working with KCN
• Inhalation of smoke liberated from polyurethane based furniture
• Ingestion of Amylogdaltin (present in kernels of fruits like Apricots )
Effects-
• Chelation of Ferric ions intracellular respiratory enzyme –Cytochrome Oxidase
• Suicidal
Mechanism of action
• Ferric of Hemoglobin + Cytochrome Oxidase –CN Cytochrome Oxidase –CN +CN –Ferric Hemoglobin
Meth Hemoglobin
• Cyanide + Thiosulphates - Thiocyanates EXCRETED
Treatment
• Intravenous injection of Sodium ,Sodium Thiosulphates
• Keratocyanar Chelates of Cyanide
Types of Cyanide poisoning
Methanol poisoning
Biochemical changes in Methanol Toxicity
Clinical Significance of Methanol Toxicity
Molecular Mechanism: Ethanol functions Antidote in Methanol toxicity by saturating alcohol dehydrogenase Preventing formation of of Lethal Formaldehyde & Formic Acid.
Ethanol Toxicity
Biochemistry of Ethanol poisoning
Ethanol is metabolized by two enzymes
1. Alcohol dehydrogenase ( Ethanol Acetaldehyde )
2. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (Acetaldehyde Acetic Acid )
Biochemistry of Ethanol poisoning
Ethanol affects Liver& induces liver diseases Including Hepatic Cirrhosis.
Pathogenesis of Ethanol Toxicity
Management of chronic Alcoholism involves Antabuse Disulfiram which inhibits Aldehyde dehydrogenase.Acetaldehyde accumulates in blood circulation inducing nausea ,vomiting & hatred for alcohol ingestion.
TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS
1. Corrosive & irritants
2. Heavy metal poisons
3. Pesticides & insecticides
4. Chemical carcinogens
5. Industrial hazards
6. Air pollutants
7. Toxic substances in food
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS -corrosive & irritants
Toxic effects of corrosive & irritants pollutants Destroy tissues Dehydration of tissuesProtein precipitationAcid hematein formation Circulatory collapse Death- ( 10-15ml –fatal)
Estimation of corrosive & irritants pollutants
Acids Alkalis
Examples Hydrochloric Acid, Nitric Acid Sodium Hydroxide , Ammonia
Estimation by titration of Gastric lavage containing corrosive titrated with
Barium Chloride ,Barium Nitrate Silver Nitrate –Brown Ppt of Silver Hydroxide
CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS
IRRITANT ENVIROMENTAL POLLUTANTS
Types of Irritant Environmental Pollutants
• Metallic—Zn ,Cu, Sb, As, Hg ,Al ,Pb
• Nonmetallic—P ,Cl, Br ,I
• Mechanical –powdered dust
Heavy Metals as Environmental Pollutants
Lead Toxicity
Lead Toxicity : Definition ,Blood levels , history , & ban use of leaded gasoline by UNEP
Sources for Lead Poisoning
Domestic Sources for Lead Poisoning USE OF LEAD FREE PETROL IS RECOMMENDED
Clinical manifestation of Lead poisoning
Clinical manifestation of Lead poisoning in children
Clinical manifestations of Lead Toxicity in adults a) Confusion b) Irritability c) Abdominal colic paind) Severe anemia **
Lead toxicity & Anemia
• **Steps of Heme synthesis catalyzed by Ferro chelatase and ALAdehydratase are inhibited by Lead leads to anemia .
Diagnosis of Lead poisoning
Laboratory Diagnosis of Lead poisoning
Plasma lead levels >25 microgram /dl in adults & > 10 microgram /dl in children are suggestiveof lead toxicity .
Laboratory Diagnosis of Lead poisoning
Radiological Diagnosis of Lead poisoning
X ray for diagnosis of lead poisoning
Lead toxicity during Pregnancy
OHHLPPP
Management of Lead poisoning
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS -Metal poisons- Lead
sources –paint flakes ,toys ,battery repair, exhaust of vehicle ,cigarette smoke, lead pipes –water poisoning ,news paper ink ,Lead chromate, adulterate in
curcumin
Symptoms –cerebral palsy, learning disability, behavioral problem, hyper excitability ,convulsions , manic behavior ,blue line along gums
Serum Lead levels >10 micrograms ( abdominal colic ,loss of appetite ,anemia ,Serum Lead levels >25 micrograms ( premature birth )
Biochemical changes -Decreased heme synthesis( decreased ALA synthase ,ALA dehydratase ,Globin synthesis )decreased life span less than 120 daysbasophilic stripping ,agglutination of ribosomes
Preventive measures –removal of Lead pipelines ,adequate Fe & Calcium intake , petrol Lead free
Laboratory Biochemical Tests for lead poisoning –Atomic Absorption, Spectrophotometer: Physiological Urinary lead levels < 50 Micrograms /day,
Physiological Serum lead levels < 10micrograms /dl
ENVIRONMETAL POLLUTANTS -metal poisons- Mercury
Type OF Mercury Sources Toxicity
1 Elemental Thermometers ,Sphyngometers, Dental Amalgam
Pulmonary Edema ,Encephalopathy, Gingivitis, Tremors ,Psychological changesOral lesions, Salivation ,Erythrism-Triad
2 Inorganic Tropical medicines -CALOMEL Psychosis ,Timidity,MERCURY LENTIS( brown band around the lenses)
3 Organic Methyl Mercury , Paints, Fungicides ,Cosmetics
Mina Mata Disease ( Bay of JAPAN)-incorporated into CNS ATAXIA
History of Mercury poisoning - Mina Mata disease–Mina Mata city from Japan
1953-1960
History of Mercury poisoning - Mina Mata city &disease
History of Mercury poisoningMina Mata disease occurred first in Mina Mata city from Japan 1953-1960 Consuming fish containing Methyl Mercury.
ENVIROMENTAL POLLUTANTS -metal poisons- Mercury
Symptoms of Mina Mata disease (Mercury poisoning)–Ataxia ,visual field ,sensory neuropathy ,joint deformities ,loss of balance ,tremors ,hearing loss spasticity
Biochemical aspects of Mina Mata Disease
Symptoms of Mina Mata disease(Mercury poisoning)
Symptoms of Mercury poisoning
Symptoms of Mercury poisoning
Effects of Mercury Poisoning during Pregnancy
Effects of Mercury Poisoning during Pregnancy
ENVIROMENTAL POLLUTANTS -Metal poisons- Mercury
• Metal poisons- Mercury
Treatment for Mercury poisoning
• Di Mercaptol derivatives
• D –Penicillamine
• Selenium
• N- Acetyl Cysteine
Status Mercury levels in Blood
Normal < 1 microgram /dl
Toxicity >2.5 microgram /dl
Fatal 15 microgram /dl
MINAMATA MARKED 60TH ANNIVERSARY
ENVIRONMETAL POLLUTANTS -Metal poisons-
Metal Source Toxic Effects
Tin Canned food Tin coated vessels
Anemia, growth retardation
Aluminum Aluminum foil-packing material, cooking vessels, cosmetics ,insulating material
Alzheimer's Disease
Arsenic Fruit spray pesticides ,rat poisons
S-S enzyme inhibitor, intravascular hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, blood vessel dilatation, cardiac muscles get affected
Cadmium Liver damage ,Renal dysfunction ,Zn dependent enzyme inhibitor
Repeated use of Tin Can is a source of Tin Toxicity
Uses / Sources of Aluminum responsible for its Toxicity
Aluminum toxicity : Anemia , osteomalacia , Alzheimer’s disease
USE OF ALUMINUM FOIL TO WRAP FOOD SHOULD BE MINIMIZED
USE OF ALUMINUM UTENSIL /COOKWARES SHOULD BE MINIMIZED
Clinical Manifestation of Aluminum Toxicity
Aluminum toxicity is strongly associated with Alzheimer’s Disease
Aluminum toxicity is strongly associated with Alzheimer’s Disease
Aluminum can change the alpha helices of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP )Into beta pleated sheets ( insoluble form of APP ).Deposition of insoluble Tau proteins leads to loss of functions of microtubules in Alzheimer’s Disease. This is similar to prion action.
Aluminum toxicity is strongly associated with Alzheimer’s Disease
Aluminum salts in vaccines
Aluminum salts in vaccines as an adjuvant
Cadmium Toxicity Itai itai / Ouch disease was reported in Japan
Cadmium Toxicity :Itai itai / Ouch disease was reported in Japan
Biochemistry of Cadmium Toxicity
Cadmium replaces Zinc & therefore adversely affects several Zinc dependent biochemical reactions .
Cadmium toxicity leads to anemia, osteomalacia , bone marrow disorders & kidney damage .
Acute vs Chronic Cadmium Toxicity
Symptoms of Arsenic Toxicity
Symptoms of Arsenic Toxicity
Laboratory diagnosis of Arsenic Toxicity
Pesticides as organic pollutants
Definition : Pesticides is a broad term used for insecticides ,herbicides ,fungicides and rodenticides .
Positive aspects of use of pesticides
• Controlling malaria ,Typhus
• Boosting food production
Adverse effects from use of pesticides
• Health complications
• damage to aquatic life
Classification of Pesticides
Chlorinated hydrocarbons
Aldrin,
Endrin
Dieldin
DDT
Organophophates
Malathion
Diazinon
Carbamates
Baygon
Cabaryl
(servin )
Chlorophenoxy
2,4 Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS - PESTISIDES & INSECTICIDES
DDT –Dichoro Diphenyl Trichloroethane
• Paul Mullar -1948 –Noble prize –“pesticide effect on potato beetle”
• North America penguin eggs thickness of egg shell decreased
Biochemical properties of DDT as pesticide (agriculture pesticide )
a) Fat soluble
b) No excretion
c) Deposition in adipose tissue
Cyclodienes (cyclic halogenated hydrocarbon )—fruit spray for Apple
Cyclodienes cause defective spermatogenesis infertility
Alrin and Dialdrin are fat soluble & their effects on human are similar
DDT –Dichoro Diphenyl Trichloroethane
DDT as pesticide (agriculture pesticide )
Negative /adverse effects of DDT –Dichoro Diphenyl Trichloroethane
Negative /adverse effects of DDT –Dichoro Diphenyl Trichloroethane
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS - PESTISIDES & INSECTICIDES
PESTISIDES & INSECTICIDES :ORGANO-PHOSPHOROUS COMPOUNDS
ORP (ORGANOPHOPHOROUS )—inhibition of Acetyl Choline Esterase by phosphorylation –Nerve impulse propagation inhibited insects get paralyzed
ORC ( ORGANOCARBAMATE )—Malathion
Entry into body respiratory tract /skin –Microsomal enzymes are inhibited and Epoxides formation Neurotoxic Effects Coma
Antidotes for ORP /ORC Atropin Sulphate ,Diacetyl Monoxime
OCCUPATIONAL & INDUSTRIAL HAZARDS
• CHLOROFLUOROMETHANE ( CF₂Cl₂ /CFCl₃ )Freon –used in refrigeratorsphoto dissociation of Chloride /Fluoride destruction of Ozone layer
• POLYCHLOROPHENYLmimic T3 ,T4 Thyroid hormones causing behavioral changes
• PVC PIPESVinyl Phenol Water Pollution –Decreased Fertility
• METHANOL Alcohol addiction cause BLINDNESS
• Methanol + Alcohol Dehydrogenase Formaldehyde (HCHO)+Formic acid (HCOOH)
• Treatment for Methanol toxicity : USE OF Ethanol Decreased Formaldehyde levels
CHLOROFLUOROMETHANE
POLYCHLOROPHENYL
PVC pipes – a cause of water pollution
What does a word AIR POLLUTION mean?
Causes and effects of Air pollutions
AIR POLLUTANTS –TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICLES (TPS )
New Delhi –forth most polluted city in the worldMumbai, Calcutta ,Kanpur, Nagpur, Ahmadabad are polluted by TPS
% OF GAS IN NORMAL ATMOSPHERE AIR
Nitrogen 78.09
Oxygen 20.94
Carbon Dioxide 0.03
Water Vapor/Other Gases
Natural and Man-made sources of Air Pollutants
AIR POLLUTANTS
• CONTAMINANTS : a chemical other than routinely accepted in composition of clean air ( N₂, O₂ , CO ₂ ,H₂O)
• POLLUTANTS:A contaminant that occurs in atmosphere in sufficiently high concentration to cause adverse effects
Sources Of Air Pollutants
(A) Biological contaminants
(B) Artificial contaminants
Natural and Man made sources of Air Pollution
Primary and secondary Air pollutants
Primary and secondary Air pollutants
Six common Air pollutants
POLLUTANTS SOURCES SIDE EFFECTS
Ozone Petrochemical smog ,welding Irritates pharynx & trachea
Carbon Monoxide Automobile exhaust ,industrial fumes
Visual threshold decreased
Lead Automobile exhaust ,industrial fumes
Velocity of nerve conduction decreases
SO₂ Formation of H₂SO₄, food poisoning
Chronic bronchitis
HCHO Fertilizers ,dyes , explosive rubber products
Cancers in animals
Halides Papers ,textile Pulmonary edema
Natural Sources Of Air pollutants
BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
Bacteria
Bacterial spores
Insects
Debris
Fungi
Viruses
Natural Sources Of Air pollutants
SOURCES
Volcanic Eruption
Forest Fire
Dust Storms
Air born Particles
Suspended Particles
Dust, soot ( 1-10 Micrometer In Diameter )
Artificial Sources of Air Pollutants
Artificial Sources of Air Pollutants
Carbon dioxide ,Carbon Monoxide ,oxides of Nitrogen ,oxide of Sulphur ,
lead derived from
(a)Emission from automobiles ,industry , power plants
(b)Burning of coal or diesel or oils SO₂ Respiratory /Cardiac diseases
Smog = smoke + fog +air +chemicals
Chemical reducing smog = smog + SO2 + oxidizing organic compounds
Smog without SO₂ & with Nitric Oxide (NO) ,Ozone Organic Peroxides ,Hydrocarbons
Source of smog : combustion of coal & oils
Human mortality α air pollution
Carbon Dioxide as an air pollutant • Carbon Dioxide :Constitutes 0.03% of atmospheric gases ,and plays a
significant role in controlling the climate .
• Role of Carbon Dioxide : trapping the heat radiation from the earth surface. Without the presence of CO₂ the earth would be as cold as the moon .
• Human body gets adopted to prolonged exposure to higher concentration of Carbon Dioxide (even up to 1% ) with minor alteration in electrolyte balance.
Greenhouse effect
• Carbon Dioxide referred as a Greenhouse gas.
• Greenhouse effect refers to an elevation in Carbon Dioxide near earth’s surface that traps sunlight and increases atmospheric temperature.
Causes of Greenhouse effect:
• deforestation
• Burning of coal and oils
Prevention of greenhouse effect can be achieved by plantation.
Carbon monoxide as an air pollutant
Source of Carbon monoxide
a) in complete combustion of fuels or carbon containing compounds
b) Burning of coal in factories
c) Emission from Automobile ,rail engines and aircrafts
Biochemical changes in human body in Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide combines with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin which drastically reduces oxygen supplementation to tissues.
Toxic effects of Carbon monoxide as an air pollutant
Toxic effects of carbon monoxide at 1 ppm concentration of Carbon monoxide
a) Mental disturbance
b) Visual perception
Toxic effects of carbon monoxide above 1 ppm concentration of Carbon monoxide
i. Headache
ii. Dizziness
iii. coma
Toxic effects of carbon monoxide at 750 ppm concentration of Carbon monoxide
Death
Sulfur Dioxide as an Air pollutant
Sulfur Dioxide is the most dangerous pollutant gas to human body.
Sources of Sulfur Dioxide : burning of coal and oil
Toxic Effects of Sulfur Dioxide as a Air pollutant on human body
a) Affects Respiratory system ( lung tissue may get damage due to acidic p H
b) Irritation of respiratory tract ( Dipalmityl Lecithin –lung surfactant phospholipid from alveoli )
c) Breathing difficulties
Sulfur Dioxide and Sulfur trioxide in the presence of atmospheric water vapor becomes sulphrous and sulphuric acid respectively.
Acid rain : atmospheric SO₂ when dissolved rain water becomes very acidic (acid rain )damaging soil ,plants and vegetables. Exposures of plants to SO₂ destroys leaves.
Nitrogen Dioxide as a air pollutant
Nitrogen Dioxide like Carbon Monoxide combines with hemoglobin and reduces supply of oxygen to tissue in human body .
Smog as an air pollutant
• Smog is the poisonous mixture of smoke ,fog ,air and chemicals .
• Chemically reducing smog : derived from combustion of coal and oil contains Sulphur dioxide (SO₂ ) Sulphur trioxide (SO₃),mixed with soot
• Chemically oxidizing smog : with NO₂, Osazone, organic peroxides and hydrocarbons without Sulphur dioxide (SO₂ )
INDUSTRIAL SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRIAL SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTIONAcid rain : atmospheric SO₂ when dissolved in rain water becomes very acidic (acid rain )damaging soil ,plants and vegetables..
INDUSTRIAL SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION
Greenhouse effect refers to an elevation in Carbon Dioxide near earth’s surface that traps sunlight and increases atmospheric temperature.
INDUSTRIAL SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION
Chemically reducing smog : derived from combustion of coal and oil contains Sulphur dioxide (SO₂ ) Sulphur trioxide (SO₃),mixed with soot
Industrial pollutants
Industrial pollutants
• Acid fumes
• Ammonia
• Cyanides
• Isocyanates
• Phosphogens
• Pthalic unhydride
• NO₂
• SO₂
Toxic Effects of Industrial PollutantsIRRITANTS
• Mucous membrane irritation
• Bronchitis
• Cough
• Conjunctival irritation
• Dyspnea
INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION
• 1952- London Fog (severe cold & dense fog for 5days )claimed 4000 lives )
• 1984- Bhopal Gas Tragedy (Methyl Isocyanates ) thousand Of deaths Cardio Vascular Diseases)
• Stationary sources SO₂ from automobiles Acid Rain
Toxic Effects of Industrial Pollution
a) irritation of eyes ,nose ,throat ,
b) Chronic Respiratory Symptoms ,Bronchitis
c) Heart diseases
Ozone layer • Ozone layer is formed from atmospheric oxygen during high energy
radiations of electrical discharge.
• Existence of Ozone Layer : 13-15 km above surface of the earth
• Positive aspects of Ozone Layer : absorbs harmful ultra violet radiations of the sun which otherwise cause skin diseases and genetic mutations ( leading to cancer ) besides increasing the temperature of earth ( Global warming ).
• Depletion of Ozone Layer : by Nitrogen oxide ( released from engines of aeroplanes ) and chloro fluorocarbons ( used in refrigerators and air conditioners )
Ground level Ozone
Ozone layer Ozone layer is formed from atmospheric oxygen during high energy radiations of electrical discharge.
Depletion of Ozone Layer : by Nitrogen oxide ( released from engines of aeroplanes ) and chloro fluorocarbons ( used in refrigerators and air conditioners )
Suspended particulate matter
• Suspended particulate matter : dust and soot in the atmosphere.
• Suspended particulate matter adds to the contamination of air .
• Size of Suspended particulate matter = 1to 10 microns in diameter.
• Sources of Suspended particulate matter :
a) Grinding
b) Spraying
c) Erosion
d) Smoking
The dust particles carry micro-organisms and infective agents to spread diseases.
Passive Cigarette Smoking
• The particulate load in household is directly proportional to the number of cigarette smokers living at home.
• Increased prevalence of respiratory illness & reduced levels of pulmonary function measurements have been found in children of smoking parents.
Cancer risk is higher in non- smokers who live under the same roof with smokers.
Harmful effects of Air pollution on the Human body
Health hazards from ozoneand
particulate pollution
Preventive measures to reduce
of Air pollution :Go Green & Grow Green
Water pollution
• Water is the most predominant constituent of living matter. The very existence of life is impossible without water.
• Water pollution occurs due to waste disposal from industries, agriculture
and municipalities.
Water pollutants
Water pollutants
a) Organic
b) Inorganic
c) Sediments
d) Radioactive
e) thermal
Water Pollution
Organic Water pollutants
organic water pollutants
a) Water –borne disease agents
b) Oxygen demanding wastes
c) Organic chemicals
Water borne diseases & their agents
Several pathogenic organisms find their entry into water and cause diseases.
Water borne disease include
a) Typhoid
b) Paratyphoid
c) Cholera
d) Amoebiasis
e) Giardiasis
f) Infectious hepatitis
Oxygen demanding wastes as water pollutants
• Sewage and waste from industries and agriculture provide good nutrients for algae.
• As algae grow utilizing the wastes ,oxygen depletion occurs .This phenomenon of water deoxygenation is technically referred to as EUTROPHICATION .
• As a consequence of eutrophication ,fish and other aquatic animals die due to lack of oxygen causing foul smell.
Organic chemicals as water pollutants
Organic chemicals as water pollutants
a) Pesticides
b) Detergents
c) Paints
d) Plastics
e) Pharmaceuticals
f) Food additives
g) Other Synthetic compounds
Noise pollution
• Noise : Unwanted sound is noise which is a major urban environment pollutants .
• Human can tolerate noise up to 100 decibels
• Speaking : 60 decibels
• Telephone : 70 decibels
• Motor cycle : 110 decibels
• Rockets : 150 decibels
Effects of Noise pollution
Effects of Noise pollution
a) Headache
b) Increased blood pressure
c) Irritability
d) Confusion
e) Neuromuscular damage
f) Depression
g) Loss of hearing
h) Disturbed vision & digestion
Classification of Toxic substances in food
1.Present in plants
2.Contamination on cultivation
3.Contamination post harvest period
4.Chemical contamination during food processing & storage
5. Food adulterants
6.Toxins entering in cooking
Natural Toxins Present in plantsToxin Food stuff Toxic effect
1.Protease inhibitors( Trypsin inhibitor )-can be destroyed by cooking
Soybean, corn ,tubers (potato )
Defective absorption & digestive of Amino acids
2. Goitrogens ( Thio oxozolidone )Thio cyanates IsothiocyanatesPolyphenolic glycosides
Cabbage ,Turnips (Thioglycosides ),Radish, Musturd ,skin of Ground nuts,Rape seed oil (Thiocyanates), Almonds (Polyphenolic glycosides)
Prevent uptake and utilization of Iodine by Thyroid gland
3.Cyanogenic glycosides Hydrocyanic acid (hydrolysis )
Cereals ,legumes ,Tubers (Cassava/Topica )
Fatty degeneration of Liver & Kidney
4. Pressor Amines (Histamines/Tyramine/Serotonin )
Banana ,Cheese Hypertension Endomyocardial fibriosis
Natural toxins in food stuffs & Lathyrism
• Lathyrism : Kesari dal ( Lathysus sativus ) is grown in some parts of Madhya Pradesh ,Bihar, Uttar Pradesh & has protein content .
• Excessive consumption of Kesari dal ( Lathysus sativus ) causes paralysis of lower limps referred as Lathyrism. Exagerrated knee jerks and scissor gait spastic paralysis may be observed .
• Kesari dal contains BOAA ( BetaOxalylAminoAlanine ) which is a neurotoxin.
• BOAA ( beta oxalylaminoalanine ) damages upper motor neurons & inhibits the enzyme Lysyl oxidase ( reduces Collagen cross linking )
• Cooking of kesari dal 2-3 times & supernatant water will eliminate BOAA .
Toxic pollutants of food stuffs - Cultivation
• Pesticides & other unnatural chemicals used during cultivation do find entry into the food stuffs.
• Most of these chemicals can be removed by peeling the outer layers of vegetables & fruits ,besides repeated washings .
Natural toxins in food stuffs &Biogenic amines
• Biogenic amines (Histamine Tyramine ,Serotinin & Epinephrine ) are present in Banana & cheese.
• Biogenic amines are degraded by Mono amino oxidase in normal metabolism.
• Patients under MAO inhibitor ( iproniazid – causes mood elevation) treatment , these food stuff may cause hypertension
Natural toxins in food stuffs &Agglutinins
• Agglutinins are present in Beans & Legumes .
• Ingestion of uncooked broad beans ( Vicia Flava ) leads to Favism(hemolytic anemia due to agglutination of RBC by Agglutinin.
Toxic pollutants of food stuffs – Processing
Food additives are used in preservation & enhancing flavors
NOT ALL FOOD ADDITIVES ARE SAFE.
• Aniline dyes are used as coloring agents & are carcinogenic.
• Sweetening agent cyclamates may cause bladder cancer. (Alarm for Diabetic patients )
Toxic pollutants of food stuffs – Processing
• Mineral oils /Petroleum solvents are used for extraction of oils from seeds. These solvent residue /remnants may remain in processed oil after extraction.
• Mineral oils are hepatotoxic & carcinogenic in nature.
Adulterants /contamination during food processing
• Mustard oil may be adulterated with Argemone oil .• Argemone oil is from a wild plant Argemone Mexicana .• Argemone seeds are similar to Mustard seeds and oil from both seeds
have similar consistency .Hence adulteration is easy. • Argemone oil contains Sanguinarine ( an alkaloid ). • Sanguinarine from Argemone oil induces Epidemic dropsySymptoms of Epidemic dropsy a) Vomitingb) Diarrheac) congestive cardiac failure d) edema
Toxic pollutants of food stuff – Storage
Food contamination with fungus on storage
Food source Fungus Type Toxin Toxic effects
1.Ground nutCoconut Rice
Aspergillus Flavus Aflatoxin Hepatoxic carcinogenic
2.Wheat BajraRye
Ergot (Clavicep Purpura )
ErgotoxinErgometrinErgotamine
Ergotism( vascular contraction ,burning sensation of eyes /legs ,cramps ,Gangrene
3. Rice Penicillium Nephro toxins /Hepatotoxic
Kidney & Liver damage
Pollutants /Toxins entering during food preparation
• Aginomoto ( Mono Sodium Glutamate –MSG )- is a common food additive ( Chinese recipes /Maggy masala ? )
• It produces transient symptoms like numbness ,weakness and palpitation.
• It may deteriorate mental alertness in children.