A comprehensive presentation on Environmental Pollutants and their clinical significance for Medical undergraduate students and healthcare workers.

1. Environmental Pollutants and their clinical significance
DR ROHINI C SANE

2. 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

3. Sources of pollutant—air, water, food

4. Types of chemical Toxicity

5. Chronic Toxicity

6. Comparison of Acute vs Chronic Toxicity

7. Cyanide poisoning
Occurrence
• 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

8. Types of Cyanide poisoning

9. Methanol poisoning

10. Biochemical changes in Methanol Toxicity

11. Clinical Significance of Methanol Toxicity

12. Molecular
Mechanism:
Ethanol functions
Antidote in
Methanol toxicity
by saturating
alcohol
dehydrogenase
Preventing
formation of
of Lethal
Formaldehyde &
Formic Acid.

13. Ethanol Toxicity

14. Biochemistry of Ethanol poisoning
Ethanol is metabolized by two enzymes
1. Alcohol dehydrogenase ( Ethanol Acetaldehyde )
2. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (Acetaldehyde Acetic Acid )

15. Biochemistry of Ethanol poisoning

16. Ethanol affects
Liver
& induces liver
diseases
Including
Hepatic
Cirrhosis.

17. Pathogenesis of Ethanol Toxicity

18. Management of chronic
Alcoholism involves
Antabuse
Disulfiram which
inhibits
Aldehyde
dehydrogenase.
Acetaldehyde
accumulates
in blood circulation
inducing nausea
,vomiting & hatred for
alcohol ingestion.

19. 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

21. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS -corrosive & irritants
Toxic effects of corrosive & irritants pollutants
Destroy tissues
Dehydration of tissues
Protein precipitation
Acid 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

22. CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS

23. IRRITANT ENVIROMENTAL POLLUTANTS
Types of Irritant Environmental Pollutants
• Metallic—Zn ,Cu, Sb, As, Hg ,Al ,Pb
• Nonmetallic—P ,Cl, Br ,I
• Mechanical –powdered dust

24. Heavy Metals as Environmental Pollutants

25. Lead Toxicity

26. Lead Toxicity : Definition
,Blood levels , history , &
ban use of leaded gasoline
by UNEP

27. Sources for Lead Poisoning

28. Domestic Sources for Lead Poisoning
USE OF LEAD FREE PETROL IS RECOMMENDED

29. Clinical manifestation of Lead poisoning

30. Clinical manifestation of Lead poisoning
in children

31.  Clinical manifestations of Lead Toxicity in adults
a) Confusion
b) Irritability
c) Abdominal colic pain
d) Severe anemia **

32. Lead toxicity & Anemia
• **Steps of Heme synthesis catalyzed by Ferro chelatase and ALA
dehydratase are inhibited by Lead leads to anemia .

33. Diagnosis of Lead poisoning

34. Laboratory Diagnosis of Lead poisoning
Plasma lead levels >25 microgram /dl in adults
& > 10 microgram /dl in children are suggestive
of lead toxicity .

35. Laboratory Diagnosis of Lead poisoning

36. Radiological Diagnosis of Lead poisoning
X ray for diagnosis of lead poisoning

37. Lead toxicity during Pregnancy

38. OHHLPPP

39. Management of Lead poisoning

40. 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 days
basophilic 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

42. ENVIRONMETAL POLLUTANTS -metal poisons- Mercury
Type OF Mercury Sources Toxicity
1 Elemental Thermometers ,Sphyngometers, Dental
Amalgam
Pulmonary Edema ,Encephalopathy, Gingivitis,
Tremors ,Psychological changes
Oral 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

43. History of Mercury poisoning
- Mina Mata disease
–Mina Mata city from Japan
1953-1960

45. History of Mercury poisoning
- Mina Mata city &disease

46. History of Mercury poisoning
Mina Mata disease occurred
first in Mina Mata city
from Japan 1953-1960
Consuming fish containing
Methyl Mercury.

49. 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

51. Biochemical aspects of Mina Mata Disease

52. Symptoms of Mina Mata disease
(Mercury poisoning)

54. Symptoms of Mercury poisoning

55. Symptoms of Mercury poisoning

56. Effects of Mercury Poisoning during Pregnancy

57. Effects of Mercury Poisoning during Pregnancy

58. 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

60. MINAMATA MARKED 60TH ANNIVERSARY

61. 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

63. Repeated use of Tin Can is a source of Tin Toxicity

65. Uses / Sources of Aluminum responsible for its Toxicity

66. Aluminum toxicity : Anemia , osteomalacia , Alzheimer’s disease

67. USE OF ALUMINUM FOIL TO WRAP FOOD SHOULD BE MINIMIZED

68. USE OF ALUMINUM UTENSIL /COOKWARES SHOULD BE MINIMIZED

69. Clinical Manifestation of Aluminum Toxicity

70. Aluminum toxicity is strongly associated with Alzheimer’s Disease

71. 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.

72. Aluminum toxicity is strongly associated with Alzheimer’s Disease

73. Aluminum salts in vaccines

74. Aluminum salts in vaccines as an adjuvant

76. Cadmium Toxicity
Itai itai / Ouch disease was reported in Japan

77. Cadmium Toxicity :Itai itai / Ouch disease was reported in Japan

78. 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 .

79. Acute vs Chronic Cadmium Toxicity

80. Symptoms of Arsenic Toxicity

81. Symptoms of Arsenic Toxicity

82. Laboratory diagnosis of Arsenic Toxicity

83. 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

84. Classification of Pesticides
Chlorinated
hydrocarbons
Aldrin,
Endrin
Dieldin
DDT
Organophophates
Malathion
Diazinon
Carbamates
Baygon
Cabaryl
(servin )
Chlorophenoxy
2,4
Dichlorophenoxy
acetic acid

85. 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

86. DDT –Dichoro Diphenyl Trichloroethane

88. DDT as pesticide (agriculture pesticide )

89. Negative /adverse effects of DDT –
Dichoro Diphenyl Trichloroethane

90. Negative /adverse effects of DDT –
Dichoro Diphenyl Trichloroethane

91. 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

92. OCCUPATIONAL & INDUSTRIAL HAZARDS
• CHLOROFLUOROMETHANE ( CF₂Cl₂ /CFCl₃ )Freon –used in refrigerators
photo dissociation of Chloride /Fluoride  destruction of Ozone layer
• POLYCHLOROPHENYL  mimic T3 ,T4 Thyroid hormones  causing
behavioral changes
• PVC PIPES Vinyl 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

93. CHLOROFLUOROMETHANE

94. POLYCHLOROPHENYL

95. PVC pipes – a cause of water pollution

97. What does a word AIR POLLUTION mean?

98. Causes and effects of Air pollutions

99. AIR POLLUTANTS –TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICLES (TPS )
New Delhi –forth most polluted city in the world
Mumbai, 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

100. Natural and Man-made sources of Air Pollutants

101. 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

102. Natural and Man made sources of Air Pollution

103. Primary and secondary Air pollutants

104. Primary and secondary Air pollutants

105. Six common Air pollutants

107. 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

108. Natural Sources Of Air pollutants
BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
Bacteria
Bacterial spores
Insects
Debris
Fungi
Viruses

109. Natural Sources Of Air pollutants
SOURCES
Volcanic Eruption
Forest Fire
Dust Storms
Air born Particles
Suspended Particles
Dust, soot ( 1-10 Micrometer In Diameter )

110. 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

111. 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.

112. 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.

114. 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.

115. 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

116. 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.

117. Nitrogen Dioxide as a air pollutant
 Nitrogen Dioxide like Carbon Monoxide combines with hemoglobin
and reduces supply of oxygen to tissue in human body .

118. 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 )

119. INDUSTRIAL SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION

120. INDUSTRIAL SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTIONAcid rain : atmospheric
SO₂ when dissolved in rain
water becomes very acidic
(acid rain )damaging soil
,plants and vegetables..

121. 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.

122. 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

123. Industrial pollutants
Industrial pollutants
• Acid fumes
• Ammonia
• Cyanides
• Isocyanates
• Phosphogens
• Pthalic unhydride
• NO₂
• SO₂

124. Toxic Effects of Industrial Pollutants
IRRITANTS
• Mucous membrane irritation
• Bronchitis
• Cough
• Conjunctival irritation
• Dyspnea

125. 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

127. 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 )

129. Ground level Ozone

132. 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 )

134. 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.

135. 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.

136. Harmful effects of Air pollution on the Human body

137. Health
hazards from
ozone
and
particulate
pollution

138. Preventive
measures to reduce
of Air pollution :
Go Green & Grow
Green

140. 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.

141. Water pollutants
Water pollutants
a) Organic
b) Inorganic
c) Sediments
d) Radioactive
e) thermal

142. Water Pollution

144. Organic Water pollutants
organic water pollutants
a) Water –borne disease agents
b) Oxygen demanding wastes
c) Organic chemicals

145. 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

146. 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.

147. 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

148. 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

149. 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

150. 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

151. Natural Toxins Present in plants
Toxin 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
Isothiocyanates
Polyphenolic glycosides
Cabbage ,Turnips
(Thioglycosides ),Radish,
Musturd ,skin of Ground
nuts,Rape seed oil (Thio
cyanates), 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

152. 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 .

153. 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 .

154. 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

155. 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.

156. 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 )

157. 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.

158. 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 dropsy
Symptoms of Epidemic dropsy
a) Vomiting
b) Diarrhea
c) congestive cardiac failure
d) edema

159. Toxic pollutants of food stuff – Storage

160. Food contamination with fungus on storage
Food source Fungus Type Toxin Toxic effects
1.Ground nut
Coconut
Rice
Aspergillus Flavus Aflatoxin Hepatoxic
carcinogenic
2.Wheat
Bajra
Rye
Ergot
(Clavicep Purpura )
Ergotoxin
Ergometrin
Ergotamine
Ergotism( vascular
contraction
,burning sensation
of eyes /legs
,cramps ,Gangrene
3. Rice Penicillium Nephro toxins
/Hepatotoxic
Kidney & Liver
damage

161. 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.