Would any specialist have a clue of what the problem is here? This report is from the south of the region of Goa. The issue has been causing a lot of concern here, but there are few answers as to what's the problem. FN
KIDNEY CASES ON THE RISE IN CANACONA (SOUTH GOA) 20 deaths occurred due to 'renal failure' HERALD NEWS DESK [Herald, May 6, 2002] PANJIM, MAY 5: Kidney failure cases are on the rise in Canacona -- the southernmost taluka of Goa. According to a press release, till date, as many as 20 cases of "mortality" due to 'renal failure' have occurred in the taluka. As per the information available, about 41 cases of renal failure were reported during 1996, while 2000 witnessed 26 cases. In 2001, the figure shot up to 38 cases. Earlier, the Pagi and Velip (aboriginal) communities suffered renal failure problems, but of late the problem has been common in almost all the communities. The kidney stone problem is due to trace elements like sodium and calcium oxallate and cadmium which are deposited in the kidneys. The 'renal failure' (kidney failure) may also be due to arsenic, lead and cadmium. Arsenic (ash) causes severe toxic reaction in the lungs, heart, kidney and liver. Arsenic can be recognised by its garlic odour. Traces of arsenic are present in water and food but marine products contain the highest amount as they may contain very high levels of organic forms of arsenic often as 'organobetatine' water soluble as analogue of betaine. The daily intake of arsenic depends to a large extent on the amount of fish or other marine animals consumed. Average daily intake ranges from 25 to 33 LTG, per person, in most parts of the world. Lead poisoning is one of the commonest industrial poisoning. Lead enters into the body through ingestion or inhalation. Lead, which is highly toxic, damages the kidney and also affects the brain, causing mental disturbance, anxiety, delirium and death. Leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, potatoes and beans are likely to absorb more lead, whereas tomatoes, corn, beets, squash, egg plant and peppers do not absorb appreciable amounts of lead. Exposure to cadmium fumes leads to kidney failure and kidney stone as well as bone-marrow causing anemia Soya beans, tomatoes and alfaalfa corn accumulate highest levels of cadmium. Aerial part of the carrot, lettuce, and potato accumulate more amount of cadmium. Majority of renal failure patients come from the villages of Polem, Maxem, Nuvem, Chaudi, Kindlebagh, Galjibagh, Talpona, Agonda, Shellar, Aven, Paiguinim, Loliem, etc. The sea water intrusion studies were carried out by means of the well-inventory method. These observations and sea-water intrusion problem along the coastal village wells clearly shows that some well waters are always saline, which is intermixed. The water in some wells turns saline during the months ofApril-May every year, specially during high tide time. So kidney failure, kidney stone problems in Canacona requires a proper evaluation, control and management of sea water intrusions into acquifer zones assumes great importance. Trace elemental geochemistry of well waters along the coastal belt, particularly elements like calcium, sodium, magnesium, cadmium,arsenic, lead and uranium etc provide conclusive evidence for the renal failure and kidney stone problems of Canacona. In the absence of trace elemental geochemistry of the well-water samples identifying these mysterious geo-bio-medical problems of renal failure and kidney stone cases is very difficult. The study requires a coordinated approach between medical professionals, environmental geologists, environmental engineers and public health engineers, adds the press release. (###) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet =================================================================== For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
