tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273134730103617921.post5653428148204895482..comments2024-03-22T05:53:49.707+05:30Comments on Food Technology: PESTICIDES OR LEAD? WHAT AN OPTION!Dr. V.H . Pottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11500499095968478516noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273134730103617921.post-51038556330887208522008-09-09T10:40:00.000+05:302008-09-09T10:40:00.000+05:30yeah...its a real serious issue since some vested ...yeah...its a real serious issue since some vested interest want the attention of the public on the expense of huge loss to an industry as well as to the industry associated with it. for eg. Early 2001, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) assisted by IIT(Kanpur) scientists Dr.Padma Vankar published a self generated analytical report that claimed to have found high levels of Endosulfan residues in environmental and biota samples taken from a village called Padre in Kasargod district of Kerala. Being sensational, the news was immediately picked up by all major press & electronic media.The complaints leveled against Endosulfan were scientifically unsupportable. For example, the report claimed to have found 9.19 ppm Endosulfan residues in filtered water samples. This is scientifically implausible as Endosulfan has a water solubility of mere 0.32 ppm. Pesticides solubility in water is an important factor in residue analysis. It indicates the maximum possible amount of pesticide in solution in accidentally contaminated water. When the known & validated water solubility of Endosulfan is only 0.32 ppm how could CSE analysis find as much as 9.19 ppm in filtered water? The residues of Endosulfan in filtered water as reported by CSE exceeded its known water solubility by over 2800%. The results published by CSE would baffle experts in the field of residue testing. Due diligence is an integral part of scientific integrity. Unfortunately, neither CSE nor Dr.Padma Vankar did exercise due diligence during or after publishing their questionable study.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Pesticides industry associations have sent many letters seeking scientific explanation from Ms.Sunita Narain and Dr.Padma Vankar for their claims. A copy of recent communication sent to the Chairperson of CSE is enclosed. So far CSE has not responded. <BR/><BR/><BR/>It must be mentioned that an apex committee appointed by Govt. of India under the Chairmanship of Dr.Mayee had categorically stated that “there is no link established between use of Endosulfan in PCK plantations & health problems from Padre Village.” The Govt. of India has since accepted the recommendation of the expert group.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com