78 pct of urban population exposed to pesticide residues, toxins: Survey

As many as 78 per cent of the urban population tested in India were found to be exposed to pesticide residues posing serious health risks according to a latest study by Bengalurubased gut health startup MicrobioTxThe findings are based on the analysis of 200 Indian blood samples aimed at understanding hidden chemical exposures including pesticides antibiotics steroids and socalled forever chemicals that may be silently affecting healthAccording to the study 78 per cent of those tested were exposed to pesticide residues with 36 per cent exposed to three or more pesticides indicating cumulative exposure that may pose serious health risksIt stated The findings indicate widespread exposure to toxins entering the body through everyday food consumption plastic usage groundwater and environmental pollutionIn addition 54 per cent of the samples showed the presence of antibiotics The study noted that such exposure is linked to antimicrobial resistance hardertotreat infections and disruption of the gut microbiome which may contribute to metabolic disordersThe report further stated that 39 per cent of those tested were exposed to steroids compounds that may cause endocrine disruption and increased carcinogenic riskMeanwhile 38 per cent tested positive for forever chemicals persistent toxins that may increase cancer risk and are associated with reduced fertility thyroid disease hormone suppression high cholesterol liver damage and ulcerative colitisNotably 17 per cent of the samples had 10 or more toxins in their blood across three categories indicating hidden chronic exposureThe findings suggest widespread exposure to toxins entering the body through everyday food consumption plastic usage groundwater and environmental pollutionMicrobioTx analysed samples from urban populations across 9 Indian states and 14 cities The analysis uncovered significant exposure to pesticides insecticides antibiotics steroidal growth regulators and forever chemicalsWhile there is growing awareness about the health risks of exposure to pesticides antibiotics and steroids in animalderived products such as meat milk eggs and honey the study highlighted that not many people are aware of forever chemicalsForever chemicals are synthetic manmade substances widely used for their water heat and greaseresistant properties in products such as nonstick cookware food packaging and waterresistant fabrics and coatingsThe study noted that many of these compounds are prohibited as they are known to pose serious health risks in humansThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever