United States Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has claimed that 'enviromental toxins' could be driving a 'tsunami' of autism across the US. Kennedy said he would commission a series of studies into whether mold, pesticides, food chemicals or medicines that are contributing to the development of autism.
He also suggested that 'ultrasound scans' can be causing autism in America, adding that ultrasound scans became popular in 1980s, the same time when autism started spiking. RFK Jr went on to suggest industries were profiting off of environmental toxins that are driving more autism diagnoses.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-to-make-laws-in-uae-country-passes-new-regulatory-intelligence-system-powered-by-artificial-intelligence-8972072">AI to make laws in UAE? Country passes new regulatory intelligence system 'powered by artificial intelligence'</a>
In a press conference, RFK Jr asserted that autism is "curable" and announced his intention to identify the cause behind the rising number of cases by September. Scientists and advocates for people with autism have criticized Kennedy's position. &ldquo;This is a preventable disease. We know it&rsquo;s environmental exposure &mdash; it has to be...Genes don&rsquo;t cause epidemics...You need an environmental toxin,&rdquo; he said.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rabbit-suicide-mission-caught-on-camera-united-airlines-plane-engine-explodes-mid-air-watch-8972069">'Rabbit suicide mission' caught on camera: United Airlines plane engine explodes mid-air. Video</a>
&ldquo;Autism destroys families," Kennedy said. &ldquo;More importantly, it destroys our greatest resource, which is our children. These are children who should not be suffering like this.&rdquo; Kennedy Jr has been a leading voice in the anti-vaccine movement for years.
This comes after a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report suggested the number of US children with autism rose to one in 31 in 2022, up from one in 36 in 2020 and one in 56 in 2016. 'Doctors and therapists in the past weren't stupid. They weren't missing all these cases,' RFK Jr told the press.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/luxury-and-lifestyle/rs-60-crore-price-tag-how-jacob-co-created-a-diamond-watch-named-after-an-indian-king-8972152">'Rs 60 crore price tag': How Jacob &amp; Co created a diamond watch named after an Indian King</a>
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-breaking-jam-log-pakistans-foreign-minister-ishaq-dar-all-set-to-travel-to-kabul-and-dhaka-8972175">Exclusive: Breaking Jam-log &mdash; Pakistan&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar all set to travel to Kabul and Dhaka</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

United States Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has claimed that 'enviromental toxins' could be driving a 'tsunami' of autism across the US.

United States Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has claimed that 'enviromental toxins' could be driving a 'tsunami' of autism across the US. Kennedy said he would commission a series of studies into whether mold, pesticides, food chemicals or medicines that are contributing to the development of autism. He also suggested that 'ultrasound scans' can be causing autism in America, adding that ultrasound scans became popular in 1980s, the same time when autism started spiking. RFK Jr went on to suggest industries were profiting off of environmental toxins that are driving more autism diagnoses. Read More | AI to make laws in UAE? Country passes new regulatory intelligence system 'powered by artificial intelligence' In a press conference, RFK Jr asserted that autism is "curable" and announced his intention to identify the cause behind the rising number of cases by September. Scientists and advocates for people with autism have criticized Kennedy's position. “This is a preventable disease. We know it’s environmental exposure — it has to be...Genes don’t cause epidemics...You need an environmental toxin,” he said. Read More | 'Rabbit suicide mission' caught on camera: United Airlines plane engine explodes mid-air. Video “Autism destroys families," Kennedy said. “More importantly, it destroys our greatest resource, which is our children. These are children who should not be suffering like this.” Kennedy Jr has been a leading voice in the anti-vaccine movement for years. This comes after a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report suggested the number of US children with autism rose to one in 31 in 2022, up from one in 36 in 2020 and one in 56 in 2016. 'Doctors and therapists in the past weren't stupid. They weren't missing all these cases,' RFK Jr told the press. Read More | 'Rs 60 crore price tag': How Jacob & Co created a diamond watch named after an Indian King Read More | Exclusive: Breaking Jam-log — Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar all set to travel to Kabul and Dhaka (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's health secretary RFK who said autism is 'curable' now claims 'environmental toxins' could be causing it

Neglected oil and gas pipelines deteriorating in the North Sea pose a potential hazard, as they may discharge significant amounts of hazardous substances such as mercury, radioactive lead, and polonium-210, infamous for its role in the poisoning of Russian defector Alexander Litvinenko, caution scientists.

Mercury, a highly toxic element present naturally in oil and gas, adheres to the interior of pipelines and accumulates over time, eventually being released into the sea as the pipelines corrode.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-make-stunning-discovery-of-fossil-belonging-to-240-million-year-old-dragon-693402">Scientists make stunning discovery of fossil belonging to 240 million-year-old 'dragon'</a>

Methylmercury, the most toxic form of the metal, is emitted by these pipelines, with other forms potentially converting into it. The Minamata Convention on Mercury internationally warns that elevated mercury levels in marine mammals like dolphins, whales, and seals can lead to "reproductive failure, behavioural changes, and even death." Seabirds and large predatory fish, such as tuna and swordfish, are also particularly at risk.

Lhiam Paton, a researcher at the University of Graz’s Institute for Analytical Chemistry, who has highlighted the mercury pollution issue, emphasises that even a slight rise in sea mercury levels can have a significant impact on top-of-the-food-chain animals.

The North Sea harbors approximately 27,000 km of gas pipelines, and experts estimate that the metal concentration in the sea could surge anywhere from 3 per cent to 160 per cent&nbsp;above current levels. Unlike some countries where regulations mandate the removal of pipelines after oil well cessation, North Sea companies are permitted to leave them to deteriorate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-silent-warning-microplastics-is-found-in-every-human-placenta-a-new-study-reveals-693332">A silent warning? Microplastics found in every human placenta, reveals new study</a>

Paton, whose findings are published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, warns that pipelines left on the seabed may retain substantial amounts of mercury, waiting to be released into the local marine environment as they corrode post-decommissioning. The impact on wildlife and food chains will depend on the form of mercury released, with certain forms less likely to be absorbed by marine life. Researcher Dr. Darren Koppel emphasises the need to understand the long-term fate of mercury in contaminated pipelines and the conditions leading to its integration into food webs.

In addition to mercury, scientists are concerned about naturally occurring radioactive materials, such as radium, present in some underwater oil and gas reservoirs. These materials may accumulate as scales inside subsea pipelines, with potential radiological risks to marine organisms. Experts stress the necessity for further research to comprehend the environmental impact fully.

<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/video-nasa-releases-stunning-time-lapse-footage-of-gamma-ray-sky-676739" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/video-nasa-releases-stunning-time-lapse-footage-of-gamma-ray-sky-676739&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiIv4Wi6sOEAxVGRmwGHTSRDI8QFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw097MpNv2u2NFy2Wp-tHafT" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/video-nasa-releases-stunning-time-lapse-footage-of-gamma-ray-sky-676739" target="_blank">Video: NASA releases stunning time-lapse footage of gamma-ray</a>

Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana UK, describes the situation as another instance of the severe harm caused by oil and gas developments on marine wildlife, emphasising mercury's neurotoxic effects. Despite being a signatory to the Minamata convention, aimed at addressing mercury pollution, the UK has recently granted new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea. Concerns are raised about the potential risks to the rich biodiversity of the North Sea and the millions dependent on it.

Responding to these concerns, Offshore Energies UK decommissioning manager Ricky Thomson asserts the industry's commitment to meeting obligations under national and international regulations. The decommissioning process involves rigorous environmental impact assessments, with operators obtaining permits and consents from the offshore environmental regulator.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-nasa-videos-show-shocking-visualisation-of-global-carbon-emissions-606508">Video:&nbsp;New NASA videos show shocking visualisation of global carbon emissions</a>

However, concerns persist, with experts emphasising the need for transparency, collaboration, and ongoing research to address the potential environmental consequences of neglected pipelines. Worldwide, there are approximately 1.3 million km of installed oil and gas pipelines.

(With inputs from agencies)

Neglected oil and gas pipelines deteriorating in the North Sea pose a potential hazard, as they may discharge significant amounts of hazardous substances such as mercury, radioactive lead, and polonium-210, infamous for its role in the poisoning of Russian defector Alexander Litvinenko, caution scientists.

Neglected oil and gas pipelines deteriorating in the North Sea pose a potential hazard, as they may discharge significant amounts of hazardous substances such as mercury, radioactive lead, and polonium-210, infamous for its role in the poisoning of Russian defector Alexander Litvinenko, caution scientists. Mercury, a highly toxic element present naturally in oil and gas, adheres to the interior of pipelines and accumulates over time, eventually being released into the sea as the pipelines corrode. Also read: Scientists make stunning discovery of fossil belonging to 240 million-year-old 'dragon' Methylmercury, the most toxic form of the metal, is emitted by these pipelines, with other forms potentially converting into it. The Minamata Convention on Mercury internationally warns that elevated mercury levels in marine mammals like dolphins, whales, and seals can lead to "reproductive failure, behavioural changes, and even death." Seabirds and large predatory fish, such as tuna and swordfish, are also particularly at risk. Lhiam Paton, a researcher at the University of Graz’s Institute for Analytical Chemistry, who has highlighted the mercury pollution issue, emphasises that even a slight rise in sea mercury levels can have a significant impact on top-of-the-food-chain animals. The North Sea harbors approximately 27,000 km of gas pipelines, and experts estimate that the metal concentration in the sea could surge anywhere from 3 per cent to 160 per cent above current levels. Unlike some countries where regulations mandate the removal of pipelines after oil well cessation, North Sea companies are permitted to leave them to deteriorate. Also read: A silent warning? Microplastics found in every human placenta, reveals new study Paton, whose findings are published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, warns that pipelines left on the seabed may retain substantial amounts of mercury, waiting to be released into the local marine environment as they corrode post-decommissioning. The impact on wildlife and food chains will depend on the form of mercury released, with certain forms less likely to be absorbed by marine life. Researcher Dr. Darren Koppel emphasises the need to understand the long-term fate of mercury in contaminated pipelines and the conditions leading to its integration into food webs. In addition to mercury, scientists are concerned about naturally occurring radioactive materials, such as radium, present in some underwater oil and gas reservoirs. These materials may accumulate as scales inside subsea pipelines, with potential radiological risks to marine organisms. Experts stress the necessity for further research to comprehend the environmental impact fully. Video: NASA releases stunning time-lapse footage of gamma-ray Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana UK, describes the situation as another instance of the severe harm caused by oil and gas developments on marine wildlife, emphasising mercury's neurotoxic effects. Despite being a signatory to the Minamata convention, aimed at addressing mercury pollution, the UK has recently granted new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea. Concerns are raised about the potential risks to the rich biodiversity of the North Sea and the millions dependent on it. Responding to these concerns, Offshore Energies UK decommissioning manager Ricky Thomson asserts the industry's commitment to meeting obligations under national and international regulations. The decommissioning process involves rigorous environmental impact assessments, with operators obtaining permits and consents from the offshore environmental regulator. Video: New NASA videos show shocking visualisation of global carbon emissions However, concerns persist, with experts emphasising the need for transparency, collaboration, and ongoing research to address the potential environmental consequences of neglected pipelines. Worldwide, there are approximately 1.3 million km of installed oil and gas pipelines. (With inputs from agencies)

Abandoned pipelines pose threat of releasing toxins into North Sea, scientists issue warning

A cleansing programme being run by the University of California Riverside is helping California get rid of industrial waste with the help of plants and fungi. The plants, referred to as solar-powered vacuum cleaners by experts, have an extraordinary ability to suck out heavy metals from soil and rid it completely of all forms of pollutants.&nbsp;

One such plant employed in the process is California buckwheat, whose beautiful pink and white flowers have this special ability to detoxify the soil. "That's the miracle of life," Kreigh Hampel, a 68-year-old volunteer was quoted as saying by the Phys.org website.

<h2>How does the detoxification process work?</h2>

Several California plants and fungi such as the telegraph weed, the California bush sunflower and Oyster mushrooms have the ability to suck up heavy metals and help decompose pollutants. They suck up metals like lead into their bodies. And later, when these plants are uprooted from the site, the soil gets effectively sanitised.

“When we pull out the plants, we've removed the lead from the soil," says Danielle Stevenson, a mycologist and the leader of the programme. She says that lead recovered from plants then can be recycled and reused.

Watch:&nbsp;In soaked California, only 2% residents insured against flood

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-in-soaked-california-only-2-residents-insured-against-flood-555640/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Similarly, Oyster mushrooms are good at sucking up diesel from the soil. "Those same fungi that in nature would eat a dead tree will also recognize diesel oil, for example, as a food source. The reason is, it's basically the same thing. A lot of our fossil fuels are just dead stuff that got compressed over long periods of time," observes Stevenson.

<h2>Way better than the traditional way of cleaning up sites?</h2>

According to Stevenson, bioremediation techniques are proving to be a highly cost-effective alternative to traditional methods of environmental cleanup.&nbsp;

She explains, "The conventional method of cleaning up sites is just to dig up all the contaminated soil and to dump it somewhere else. That approach doesn't actually solve the problem, right? It just moves it somewhere else." This approach has not only been ineffective in tackling the issue but has also proven to be a financial burden.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/tragic-california-man-killed-by-car-while-helping-ducks-cross-road-595327">Also Read |&nbsp;Tragic! California man killed by car while helping ducks cross road</a>

The bioremediation project, undertaken on three sites in the Los Angeles area, has shown immense promise thus far, with a budget of approximately $200,000. Early results have given rise to optimism among experts and stakeholders involved in the field of environmental remediation.&nbsp;

The cost-effectiveness of bioremediation has the potential to revolutionise the cleanup efforts required for numerous commercial sites that have outlived their usefulness and are left abandoned.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

A cleansing programme being run by the University of California Riverside is helping California get rid of industrial waste with the help of plants and fungi. The plants, referred to as solar-powered vacuum cleaners by experts, have an extraordinary ability to suck out heavy metals from soil and rid it completely of all forms of pollutants.

A cleansing programme being run by the University of California Riverside is helping California get rid of industrial waste with the help of plants and fungi. The plants, referred to as solar-powered vacuum cleaners by experts, have an extraordinary ability to suck out heavy metals from soil and rid it completely of all forms of pollutants. One such plant employed in the process is California buckwheat, whose beautiful pink and white flowers have this special ability to detoxify the soil. "That's the miracle of life," Kreigh Hampel, a 68-year-old volunteer was quoted as saying by the Phys.org website. How does the detoxification process work? Several California plants and fungi such as the telegraph weed, the California bush sunflower and Oyster mushrooms have the ability to suck up heavy metals and help decompose pollutants. They suck up metals like lead into their bodies. And later, when these plants are uprooted from the site, the soil gets effectively sanitised. “When we pull out the plants, we've removed the lead from the soil," says Danielle Stevenson, a mycologist and the leader of the programme. She says that lead recovered from plants then can be recycled and reused. Watch: In soaked California, only 2% residents insured against flood × Similarly, Oyster mushrooms are good at sucking up diesel from the soil. "Those same fungi that in nature would eat a dead tree will also recognize diesel oil, for example, as a food source. The reason is, it's basically the same thing. A lot of our fossil fuels are just dead stuff that got compressed over long periods of time," observes Stevenson. Way better than the traditional way of cleaning up sites? According to Stevenson, bioremediation techniques are proving to be a highly cost-effective alternative to traditional methods of environmental cleanup. She explains, "The conventional method of cleaning up sites is just to dig up all the contaminated soil and to dump it somewhere else. That approach doesn't actually solve the problem, right? It just moves it somewhere else." This approach has not only been ineffective in tackling the issue but has also proven to be a financial burden. Also Read | Tragic! California man killed by car while helping ducks cross road The bioremediation project, undertaken on three sites in the Los Angeles area, has shown immense promise thus far, with a budget of approximately $200,000. Early results have given rise to optimism among experts and stakeholders involved in the field of environmental remediation. The cost-effectiveness of bioremediation has the potential to revolutionise the cleanup efforts required for numerous commercial sites that have outlived their usefulness and are left abandoned. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

California researchers successfully rid soil of industrial waste using plants and fungi

If you've lost your way in a forest and are starving, never ever think of munching on this mushroom which ironically has quite an inviting colour. The fresh green shade will entice your nutrient hungry soul. But just a few bites, and you'll get a quick lesson in why this particular mushroom is called the 'death cap' mushroom.

The toxins this mushroom contains&nbsp;eat away at the liver. Without medical help, and sometimes in spite of medical care, the toxins cause failure of liver and sometimes kidneys. This soon leads to death.

Fortunately, scientists have now zeroed in on a substance that may be an antidote to 'death cap' mushroom (Amanita phalloides). It is a dye that's called indocyanine green and already has an approval from Food and Drug Administration&nbsp;as it is used for medical diagnostic imaging.

A research team from China's Sun Yat-sen University has shown that indocyanine green can combat the toxin of 'death cap' mushroom and effectively block&nbsp;cell death caused due to it.

To study the toxicity of this mushroom, the scientists took a multi-step approach. They used a genome-wide CRISPR screening on human cell line HAP1 to analyse the destructive impact of the toxin.

<h2>The poison</h2>

When the scientists studied the toxin, they found that biosynthesis of proteins called N-glycans played significant role in cell death. Moreover, it was found that an enzyme called STT3B was a key to the mushroom’s toxicity.

<h2>The antidote</h2>

Indocyanine green, was found as potential inhibitor of STT3B. &nbsp;

The researchers found that two different human cell lines - HAP1 and Hep G2- were more resistant to toxin-induced cell death when they were pre-treated with indocyanine green.

The researchers then carried out tests on live mice. The toxin was injected into them and they were treated with indocyanine green four hours later. The organs of the mice were monitored. It was found that the treated mice had less organ damage and even cell death. They had higher survivability.

<h2>However, there is still a ‘but’</h2>

It may still be a bad idea to eat 'death cap' mushroom though.

It was found that treatment with indocyanine green lost its usefulness after 8-12 hours. By this time, the organ damage reaches an irreversible stage. It was hence suggested that the treatment should be sought as early as possible.

"Overall," the researchers write, "we show that by coupling whole-genome functional genomic characterisation with in silico drug prediction, we can rapidly define and then target medically relevant processes."

The research has been published in Nature Communications and has been reported by ScienceAlert.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

If you've lost your way in a forest and are starving, never ever think of munching on this mushroom which ironically has quite an inviting colour. The fresh green shade will entice your nutrient hungry soul.

If you've lost your way in a forest and are starving, never ever think of munching on this mushroom which ironically has quite an inviting colour. The fresh green shade will entice your nutrient hungry soul. But just a few bites, and you'll get a quick lesson in why this particular mushroom is called the 'death cap' mushroom. The toxins this mushroom contains eat away at the liver. Without medical help, and sometimes in spite of medical care, the toxins cause failure of liver and sometimes kidneys. This soon leads to death. Fortunately, scientists have now zeroed in on a substance that may be an antidote to 'death cap' mushroom (Amanita phalloides). It is a dye that's called indocyanine green and already has an approval from Food and Drug Administration as it is used for medical diagnostic imaging. A research team from China's Sun Yat-sen University has shown that indocyanine green can combat the toxin of 'death cap' mushroom and effectively block cell death caused due to it. To study the toxicity of this mushroom, the scientists took a multi-step approach. They used a genome-wide CRISPR screening on human cell line HAP1 to analyse the destructive impact of the toxin. The poison When the scientists studied the toxin, they found that biosynthesis of proteins called N-glycans played significant role in cell death. Moreover, it was found that an enzyme called STT3B was a key to the mushroom’s toxicity. The antidote Indocyanine green, was found as potential inhibitor of STT3B. The researchers found that two different human cell lines - HAP1 and Hep G2- were more resistant to toxin-induced cell death when they were pre-treated with indocyanine green. The researchers then carried out tests on live mice. The toxin was injected into them and they were treated with indocyanine green four hours later. The organs of the mice were monitored. It was found that the treated mice had less organ damage and even cell death. They had higher survivability. However, there is still a ‘but’ It may still be a bad idea to eat 'death cap' mushroom though. It was found that treatment with indocyanine green lost its usefulness after 8-12 hours. By this time, the organ damage reaches an irreversible stage. It was hence suggested that the treatment should be sought as early as possible. "Overall," the researchers write, "we show that by coupling whole-genome functional genomic characterisation with in silico drug prediction, we can rapidly define and then target medically relevant processes." The research has been published in Nature Communications and has been reported by ScienceAlert. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World’s deadliest ‘death cap’ mushroom has anti-dote, but still don’t eat it

The site of Ohio town's train derailment in the United States contains cancer-causing toxin levels far above the safe limit, newly released data has found.&nbsp;

The levels of toxins found in two soil samples are up to 14 times higher than dioxin soil limits in some US states. At the same time, 'the numbers point to wider contamination', Linda Birnbaum, a former head of the US National Toxicology Programme and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientist was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

Dioxins are a class of chemicals that are a byproduct produced when chlorine is burned, which is a common industrial process in making products such as polymer pipes.

"The levels are not screaming high, but we have confirmed that dioxins are in East Palestine’s soil," she was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "The EPA must test the soil in the area more broadly."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;In pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-ohio-derailment-leaves-toxic-trail-of-chemical-spillage-drone-footage-shows-559619">Ohio derailment leaves toxic trail of chemical spillage, drone footage shows</a>

East Palestine's train crash&nbsp;as well as its toxic aftermath&nbsp;have&nbsp;become a major issue in the United States. The locals as well as the activists have cited a lack of action by both the government and the train operator, Norfolk Southern.

The data released suggests that the soil at the site of train crash had toxicity equivalence of “2,3,7,8 TCDD toxicity equivalence” of 700 parts per trillion (ppt). The level at which the authorities will initiate cleanup action in residential areas is 1,000 ppt.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Ohio train derailment: Environmental disaster

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ohio-train-derailment-environmental-disaster-565563/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In many US states, the cleanup triggers are much lower than what has been reported from Ohio's train derailment site – 90 ppt in Michigan, and 50 ppt in California.

“So based on this, the concentrations are actually concerning,” Carsten Prasse, an organic chemist at Johns Hopkins University and scientific adviser for SimpleLab, was quoted as saying by The Guardian. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The site of Ohio town's train derailment in the United States contains cancer-causing toxin levels far above the safe limit, newly released data has found. The levels of toxins found in two soil samples are up to 14 times higher than dioxin soil limits in some US states.

The site of Ohio town's train derailment in the United States contains cancer-causing toxin levels far above the safe limit, newly released data has found. The levels of toxins found in two soil samples are up to 14 times higher than dioxin soil limits in some US states. At the same time, 'the numbers point to wider contamination', Linda Birnbaum, a former head of the US National Toxicology Programme and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientist was quoted as saying by The Guardian. Dioxins are a class of chemicals that are a byproduct produced when chlorine is burned, which is a common industrial process in making products such as polymer pipes. "The levels are not screaming high, but we have confirmed that dioxins are in East Palestine’s soil," she was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "The EPA must test the soil in the area more broadly." ALSO READ | In pics | Ohio derailment leaves toxic trail of chemical spillage, drone footage shows East Palestine's train crash as well as its toxic aftermath have become a major issue in the United States. The locals as well as the activists have cited a lack of action by both the government and the train operator, Norfolk Southern. The data released suggests that the soil at the site of train crash had toxicity equivalence of “2,3,7,8 TCDD toxicity equivalence” of 700 parts per trillion (ppt). The level at which the authorities will initiate cleanup action in residential areas is 1,000 ppt. ALSO WATCH | Ohio train derailment: Environmental disaster × In many US states, the cleanup triggers are much lower than what has been reported from Ohio's train derailment site – 90 ppt in Michigan, and 50 ppt in California. “So based on this, the concentrations are actually concerning,” Carsten Prasse, an organic chemist at Johns Hopkins University and scientific adviser for SimpleLab, was quoted as saying by The Guardian. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ohio train derailment site contaminated with cancer-causing toxins, study finds

Amid the looming global health threat of antibiotic resistants, scientists have discovered a plant toxin&nbsp;that could be a potential candidate to create effective antibiotics with its unique way of attacking bacteria.&nbsp;In a paper recently published in the journal Nature Catalysis, a group of British, German and Polish scientists revealed that a plant toxin or a potential new antibiotic, albicidin, has a unique method of attacking bacteria in comparison to the existing antibiotic medicines.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-a-missile-it-would-only-take-a-minute-boris-johnson-reveals-he-got-threats-from-putin-557118">'With a missile, it would only take a minute' Boris Johnson reveals he got threats from Putin</a>

The new finding is a positive development in the healthcare field as for many years there is a consistent rise of multidrug-resistant pathogens such as E coli. Some of these pathogens pose a significant risk to human health.&nbsp;

By exploiting the findings of this new research, scientists now hope to find out efficient ways to deal with various kinds of bacterial diseases.&nbsp;Albicidin comes from a bacterial plant pathogen called Xanthomonas albilineans. Though this pathogen uses albicidin to attack the plant, however according to findings some decades ago it was found out that the pathogen is also highly effective at killing bacteria.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-bypolls-for-33-vacant-national-assembly-seats-in-march-imran-to-contest-on-all-557108">Pakistan bypolls for 33 vacant National Assembly seats in March, Imran to contest on all</a>

But the roadblock for the scientists was to understand how this works. They used advanced techniques to bring to light how albicidin actually kills bacteria.

Dmitry Ghilarov, who worked with scientists at the Technische Universität Berlin in Germany and at Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland said, “now we have a structural understanding, we can create modifications of albicidin to improve its efficacy and pharmacological properties."&nbsp;

“We believe this is one of the most exciting new antibiotic candidates in many years. It has extremely high effectiveness in small concentrations and is highly potent against pathogenic bacteria – even those resistant to the widely used antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones.”

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-nadhim-zahawi-sacked-as-conservative-party-chief-557134">UK: Nadhim Zahawi sacked as Conservative party chief</a>

One can only imagine the magnitude of the positive impact these kinds of studies can mean on the healthcare field. Every day 3,500 people lose their lives due to the direct result of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Only in 2019, over 1.2 million people lost their lives to these infections.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Amid the looming global health threat of antibiotic resistants, scientists have discovered a plant toxin that could be a potential candidate to create effective antibiotics with its unique way of attacking bacteria.

Amid the looming global health threat of antibiotic resistants, scientists have discovered a plant toxin that could be a potential candidate to create effective antibiotics with its unique way of attacking bacteria. In a paper recently published in the journal Nature Catalysis, a group of British, German and Polish scientists revealed that a plant toxin or a potential new antibiotic, albicidin, has a unique method of attacking bacteria in comparison to the existing antibiotic medicines. Also Read | 'With a missile, it would only take a minute' Boris Johnson reveals he got threats from Putin The new finding is a positive development in the healthcare field as for many years there is a consistent rise of multidrug-resistant pathogens such as E coli. Some of these pathogens pose a significant risk to human health. By exploiting the findings of this new research, scientists now hope to find out efficient ways to deal with various kinds of bacterial diseases. Albicidin comes from a bacterial plant pathogen called Xanthomonas albilineans. Though this pathogen uses albicidin to attack the plant, however according to findings some decades ago it was found out that the pathogen is also highly effective at killing bacteria. Also Read | Pakistan bypolls for 33 vacant National Assembly seats in March, Imran to contest on all But the roadblock for the scientists was to understand how this works. They used advanced techniques to bring to light how albicidin actually kills bacteria. Dmitry Ghilarov, who worked with scientists at the Technische Universität Berlin in Germany and at Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland said, “now we have a structural understanding, we can create modifications of albicidin to improve its efficacy and pharmacological properties." “We believe this is one of the most exciting new antibiotic candidates in many years. It has extremely high effectiveness in small concentrations and is highly potent against pathogenic bacteria – even those resistant to the widely used antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones.” Watch | UK: Nadhim Zahawi sacked as Conservative party chief One can only imagine the magnitude of the positive impact these kinds of studies can mean on the healthcare field. Every day 3,500 people lose their lives due to the direct result of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Only in 2019, over 1.2 million people lost their lives to these infections. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In a major breakthrough, scientists discover new plant toxin highly potent in killing bacteria

A California man has sued candy maker Mars for allegedly using a "known toxin" to give its candy Skittles, its famous rainbow colours. Attorneys representing Jenile Thames a resident of San Leandro claimed that Skittles are dangerous for "human consumption" because they contain "heightened levels" of titanium dioxide. The lawsuit, which demands for class-action status was filed on Thursday in the US District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint said that although the candy manufacturer publicly announced its plan to stop using titanium dioxide in its products in 2016, titanium dioxide is still present in items like Skittles today.

Watch |&nbsp;Fentanyl overdose major concern in the US as its easy availability causes an alarm

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fentanyl-overdose-major-concern-in-the-us-as-its-easy-availability-causes-an-alarm-498085/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Mars Inc. uses titanium dioxide for its well-known rainbow of synthetic pigments seen in Skittles.

The lawsuit claims that titanium dioxide, which is used in paint, adhesives, plastics, and roofing materials, can harm DNA, the brain, and other organs, as well as induce liver and kidney lesions.

In May, EFSA’s (European Food Safety Authority) expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), had said: “Taking into account all available scientific studies and data, the Panel concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-first-of-its-kind-proposal-will-no-longer-let-parents-sue-social-media-companies-497982" hreflang="en">California: First-of-its-kind proposal will no longer let parents sue social media companies</a>

As per Reuters, the complainant is seeking unspecified monetary damages for fraud and violations of California consumer protection laws.

In a statement to TODAY and several other news outlets, Mars said: “While we do not comment on pending litigation, our use of titanium dioxide complies with FDA regulations.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-vs-elections-who-wins-bidens-support-for-human-rights-can-be-sold-for-a-smidgen-of-oil-498106" hreflang="en">Human rights vs elections: Who wins? Biden's 'support for human rights can be sold for a smidgen of oil'</a>

Thames, the complainant, claimed that he purchased Skittles from a nearby QuikStop in April and that he would not have done so had he realised what was inside the candy.

He further claimed that reading the label would not have been helpful because it is difficult to read the ingredients on Skittles' bright red packaging.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A California man has sued candy maker Mars for allegedly using a "known toxin" to give its candy Skittles, its famous rainbow colours. Attorneys representing Jenile Thames a resident of San Leandro claimed that Skittles are dangerous for "human consumption" because they contain "heightened levels" of titanium dioxide.

A California man has sued candy maker Mars for allegedly using a "known toxin" to give its candy Skittles, its famous rainbow colours. Attorneys representing Jenile Thames a resident of San Leandro claimed that Skittles are dangerous for "human consumption" because they contain "heightened levels" of titanium dioxide. The lawsuit, which demands for class-action status was filed on Thursday in the US District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint said that although the candy manufacturer publicly announced its plan to stop using titanium dioxide in its products in 2016, titanium dioxide is still present in items like Skittles today. Watch | Fentanyl overdose major concern in the US as its easy availability causes an alarm Mars Inc. uses titanium dioxide for its well-known rainbow of synthetic pigments seen in Skittles. The lawsuit claims that titanium dioxide, which is used in paint, adhesives, plastics, and roofing materials, can harm DNA, the brain, and other organs, as well as induce liver and kidney lesions. In May, EFSA’s (European Food Safety Authority) expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), had said: “Taking into account all available scientific studies and data, the Panel concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive." Also read | California: First-of-its-kind proposal will no longer let parents sue social media companies As per Reuters, the complainant is seeking unspecified monetary damages for fraud and violations of California consumer protection laws. In a statement to TODAY and several other news outlets, Mars said: “While we do not comment on pending litigation, our use of titanium dioxide complies with FDA regulations.” Also read | Human rights vs elections: Who wins? Biden's 'support for human rights can be sold for a smidgen of oil' Thames, the complainant, claimed that he purchased Skittles from a nearby QuikStop in April and that he would not have done so had he realised what was inside the candy. He further claimed that reading the label would not have been helpful because it is difficult to read the ingredients on Skittles' bright red packaging. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taste the 'rainbow' or toxins?: Skittles sued for using colours known to be 'unfit for human consumption'

Kabul residents have long run the gauntlet of suicide attacks and bombs. This winter, however, they face another deadly threat, air pollution.

For weeks a thick layer of toxic smog has blanketed the sprawling city as cold air traps pollution caused by people burning coal, wood, car tyres and even garbage to stay warm.

The choking contamination peaks in evenings and early mornings when temperature&nbsp;plunge below zero.&nbsp;

Dangerous particulate matter, including toxins like sulphate and black carbon, hang in the air like a thick curtain, reducing visibility and making breathing difficult.&nbsp;

Residents complain the air is getting worse — a view supported by doctors who report a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses.

"In previous years 30 to 40 per cent of our patients were suffering from acute respiratory infections, but this year it has jumped to 70 or 80 per cent," said Akbar Iqbal, a doctor in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Indira Gandhi children's hospital in Kabul.

"I believe the cold and pollution are the main causes." &nbsp;&nbsp;

A seasonal lack of rain and snow in Kabul, coupled with a fast-growing population, fume-belching vehicles, and proliferation of diesel-fuelled generators, are contributing to the deteriorating air quality.

A former official at the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) described this winter's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-17134-crore-fine-on-volkswagen-for-causing-air-pollution-in-delhi-recommends-ngt-panel-190490&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjPnanh0f7fAhVIi3AKHb2tBuAQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0mxg2v7RStz3em2Ribco0V">pollution</a> as "deadly".

"This can cause stunting and mental development problems in children as well as miscarriages and can lead to many forms of cancer," said Abdul Hadi Zhemen, who until recently was the spokesman for NEPA. &nbsp;

Kabul's air pollution exceeds the World Health Organisation's (WHO) safe levels on any given day in winter. Recently the city of five million people has ranked among the most polluted in the world, according to the AirVisual network.

The air quality index reading is often above 300, while at night it can top 600. Recent snow and rain offered some respite, but readings still remain well above the WHO's limits.&nbsp;

Any reading over 100 is considered unhealthy.&nbsp;

Long-term exposure to air pollution can cause strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses, WHO said.

Authorities have turned to media to educate people on air pollution and encourage the use of face masks, even though they often provide poor protection.&nbsp;

"On the most polluted days we advise people to stay indoors... when the pollution level is at its highest," said Mohammad Kazem Homayoun, NEPA's chief for Kabul.&nbsp;

In a country where most people are illiterate and healthcare is limited, the information is unlikely to help many. &nbsp;

Doctors are also falling victim to the toxic air.&nbsp;

Sohrab Noori, head of the ICU at Wazir Akbar Khan hospital — where the number of admissions for respiratory-related problems has increased — said he had developed a "winter cough" for the first time.&nbsp;

"I think it's an allergic reaction to the air pollution," Noori said as he walked past patients hooked up to oxygen cylinders.&nbsp;

"If it (air pollution) continues in the long term, in two to three months we might have a big health crisis."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Kabul residents have long run the gauntlet of suicide attacks and bombs. This winter, however, they face another deadly threat, air pollution. For weeks a thick layer of toxic smog has blanketed the sprawling city as cold air traps pollution caused by people burning coal, wood, car tyres and even garbage to stay warm.

Kabul residents have long run the gauntlet of suicide attacks and bombs. This winter, however, they face another deadly threat, air pollution. For weeks a thick layer of toxic smog has blanketed the sprawling city as cold air traps pollution caused by people burning coal, wood, car tyres and even garbage to stay warm. The choking contamination peaks in evenings and early mornings when temperature plunge below zero. Dangerous particulate matter, including toxins like sulphate and black carbon, hang in the air like a thick curtain, reducing visibility and making breathing difficult. Residents complain the air is getting worse — a view supported by doctors who report a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses. "In previous years 30 to 40 per cent of our patients were suffering from acute respiratory infections, but this year it has jumped to 70 or 80 per cent," said Akbar Iqbal, a doctor in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Indira Gandhi children's hospital in Kabul. "I believe the cold and pollution are the main causes." A seasonal lack of rain and snow in Kabul, coupled with a fast-growing population, fume-belching vehicles, and proliferation of diesel-fuelled generators, are contributing to the deteriorating air quality. A former official at the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) described this winter's pollution as "deadly". "This can cause stunting and mental development problems in children as well as miscarriages and can lead to many forms of cancer," said Abdul Hadi Zhemen, who until recently was the spokesman for NEPA. Kabul's air pollution exceeds the World Health Organisation's (WHO) safe levels on any given day in winter. Recently the city of five million people has ranked among the most polluted in the world, according to the AirVisual network. The air quality index reading is often above 300, while at night it can top 600. Recent snow and rain offered some respite, but readings still remain well above the WHO's limits. Any reading over 100 is considered unhealthy. Long-term exposure to air pollution can cause strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses, WHO said. Authorities have turned to media to educate people on air pollution and encourage the use of face masks, even though they often provide poor protection. "On the most polluted days we advise people to stay indoors... when the pollution level is at its highest," said Mohammad Kazem Homayoun, NEPA's chief for Kabul. In a country where most people are illiterate and healthcare is limited, the information is unlikely to help many. Doctors are also falling victim to the toxic air. Sohrab Noori, head of the ICU at Wazir Akbar Khan hospital — where the number of admissions for respiratory-related problems has increased — said he had developed a "winter cough" for the first time. "I think it's an allergic reaction to the air pollution," Noori said as he walked past patients hooked up to oxygen cylinders. "If it (air pollution) continues in the long term, in two to three months we might have a big health crisis."

Afghanistan: Kabul chokes on dirty air as temperature plunge

As they struggle to deal with more extreme weather, a range of food crops are generating more of chemical compounds that can cause&nbsp;healthproblems for people and livestock who eat them, scientists have warned.

A new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says that crops such as wheat and maize are generating more potential toxins as a reaction to protect themselves from extreme weather.

But these chemical compounds are harmful to people and animals if consumed for a prolonged period of time, according to a report released during a United Nations Environment Assembly meeting in Nairobi.

&quot;Crops are responding to drought conditions and increases in temperature just like humans do when faced with a stressful situation,&rdquo; explained Jacqueline McGlade, chief scientist and director of the Division of Early Warning and Assessment at UNEP.

Under normal conditions, for instance, plants convert nitrates they absorb into nutritious amino acids and proteins. But prolonged drought slows or prevents this conversion, leading to more potentially problematic nitrate accumulating in the plant, the report said.

If people eat too much nitrate in their diets, it can interfere with the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen in the body, the report said.

Crops susceptible to accumulating too much nitrate in times of stress include maize, wheat, barley, soybeans, millet and sorghum, it said.

&nbsp;

DROUGHT, THEN RAIN

Some drought-stressed crops, when then exposed to sudden large amounts of rain that lead to rapid growth, in turn accumulate hydrogen cyanide, more commonly known as prussic acid, the report said.

Prussic acid &ndash; one of the ingredients used in some types of chemical warfare - interferes with oxygen flow in humans. Even short-term exposure can be debilitating for people, McGlade said.

Plants such as cassava, flax, maize and sorghum are most vulnerable to dangerous prussic acid accumulation, the report said.

Cases of nitrate or hydrogen cyanide poisoning in humans were reported in Kenya in 2013 and in the Philippines in 2005, McGlade said. In Kenya, two children died in coastal Kilifi after eating cassava that had raised levels of prussic acid in it following extreme rainfall, according to local media reports.

Aflatoxins, molds that can affect plant crops and raise the risk of liver damage, cancer and blindness, as well as stunting foetuses and infants, also are spreading to more areas as a result of shifting weather patterns as a result of climate change, scientists said.

McGlade said about 4.5 billion people in developing countries are exposed to aflatoxins each year, though the amounts are largely unmonitored, and the numbers are rising.

&quot;We are just beginning to recognise the magnitude of toxin- related issues confronting farmers in developing countries of the tropics and sub-tropics,&quot; the report noted.

&quot;As warmer climate zones expand towards the poles, countries in more temperate regions are facing new threats,&quot; it added.

In 2004, Kenya suffered severe outbreaks of aflatoxin poisoning, which affected more than 300 people and killed more than 100 following a prolonged drought, according to the International Livestock Research Institute.

&nbsp;

EUROPE AT RISK

The UNEP report said Europe will be at growing risk from aflatoxins in locally grown crops if global temperatures rise by at least 2 degrees Celsius. The world is currently on a path to a more than 3 degree Celsius temperature rise, scientists believe.

An increase in toxic compounds in crops is likely to impact heavily on the world&rsquo;s&nbsp;health&nbsp;system, which are already struggling with the effects of food insecurity, Dorota Jarosinska of the WorldHealth&nbsp;Organization&rsquo;s European Center for Environment and&nbsp;Health&nbsp;said in an interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Alex Ezeh, executive director of the African Population&nbsp;Health&nbsp;and Research Center, said the increase in toxins in crops was a big concern.

&quot;Toxic crops can lead to neurological diseases among humans but the greatest challenge is the incidence of cancer,&rdquo; he said in an interview.

The report proposes a list of eight ideas farmers and agricultural experts can adopt to try to limit damage from more crop toxins, such as mapping contamination hotspots and building better evidence about what is happening now with the toxins in their area.

Scientists also suggest that developing crop varieties designed to cope with extreme weather could help reduce the levels of toxic chemicals in food.

&quot;Research centers with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research are developing seeds that are suitable in various regions that have been hit by climate change,&rdquo; McGlade said.

As they struggle to deal with more extreme weather, a range of food crops are generating more of chemical compounds that can cause?healthproblems for people and livestock who eat them, scientists have warned

As they struggle to deal with more extreme weather, a range of food crops are generating more of chemical compounds that can cause healthproblems for people and livestock who eat them, scientists have warned. A new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says that crops such as wheat and maize are generating more potential toxins as a reaction to protect themselves from extreme weather. But these chemical compounds are harmful to people and animals if consumed for a prolonged period of time, according to a report released during a United Nations Environment Assembly meeting in Nairobi. "Crops are responding to drought conditions and increases in temperature just like humans do when faced with a stressful situation,” explained Jacqueline McGlade, chief scientist and director of the Division of Early Warning and Assessment at UNEP. Under normal conditions, for instance, plants convert nitrates they absorb into nutritious amino acids and proteins. But prolonged drought slows or prevents this conversion, leading to more potentially problematic nitrate accumulating in the plant, the report said. If people eat too much nitrate in their diets, it can interfere with the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen in the body, the report said. Crops susceptible to accumulating too much nitrate in times of stress include maize, wheat, barley, soybeans, millet and sorghum, it said. DROUGHT, THEN RAIN Some drought-stressed crops, when then exposed to sudden large amounts of rain that lead to rapid growth, in turn accumulate hydrogen cyanide, more commonly known as prussic acid, the report said. Prussic acid – one of the ingredients used in some types of chemical warfare - interferes with oxygen flow in humans. Even short-term exposure can be debilitating for people, McGlade said. Plants such as cassava, flax, maize and sorghum are most vulnerable to dangerous prussic acid accumulation, the report said. Cases of nitrate or hydrogen cyanide poisoning in humans were reported in Kenya in 2013 and in the Philippines in 2005, McGlade said. In Kenya, two children died in coastal Kilifi after eating cassava that had raised levels of prussic acid in it following extreme rainfall, according to local media reports. Aflatoxins, molds that can affect plant crops and raise the risk of liver damage, cancer and blindness, as well as stunting foetuses and infants, also are spreading to more areas as a result of shifting weather patterns as a result of climate change, scientists said. McGlade said about 4.5 billion people in developing countries are exposed to aflatoxins each year, though the amounts are largely unmonitored, and the numbers are rising. "We are just beginning to recognise the magnitude of toxin- related issues confronting farmers in developing countries of the tropics and sub-tropics," the report noted. "As warmer climate zones expand towards the poles, countries in more temperate regions are facing new threats," it added. In 2004, Kenya suffered severe outbreaks of aflatoxin poisoning, which affected more than 300 people and killed more than 100 following a prolonged drought, according to the International Livestock Research Institute. EUROPE AT RISK The UNEP report said Europe will be at growing risk from aflatoxins in locally grown crops if global temperatures rise by at least 2 degrees Celsius. The world is currently on a path to a more than 3 degree Celsius temperature rise, scientists believe. An increase in toxic compounds in crops is likely to impact heavily on the world’s health system, which are already struggling with the effects of food insecurity, Dorota Jarosinska of the WorldHealth Organization’s European Center for Environment and Health said in an interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Alex Ezeh, executive director of the African Population Health and Research Center, said the increase in toxins in crops was a big concern. "Toxic crops can lead to neurological diseases among humans but the greatest challenge is the incidence of cancer,” he said in an interview. The report proposes a list of eight ideas farmers and agricultural experts can adopt to try to limit damage from more crop toxins, such as mapping contamination hotspots and building better evidence about what is happening now with the toxins in their area. Scientists also suggest that developing crop varieties designed to cope with extreme weather could help reduce the levels of toxic chemicals in food. "Research centers with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research are developing seeds that are suitable in various regions that have been hit by climate change,” McGlade said.

Extreme weather increasing level of toxins in food, scientists warn

toxins

Toxins, News on Toxins, stories on Toxins, articles on Toxins, Toxins stories at Wion, Toxins news, Toxins latest news