AIIMS finds traces of lead & nickel in Eluru blood samples

HYDERABAD: Authorities at the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi found clear traces of lead and nickel in 25 of 45 blood samples of Eluru mystery ailment in AP even as 19 more fell ill. Authorities said remaining 20 samples were marked as delayed in arrival and lead traces could have deposited in bones by then.
AP health authorities also said lead, pesticides along with other probable sources are being looked at for the cause of illness that has left nearly 600 people sick and one dead, with frothing, shivering, loss of consciousness among other symptoms.
Dr A Shariff of AIIMS Delhi (clinical ecotoxicology) told TOI that the percentage of lead in the blood samples vary from 15 micrograms to 100 grams per decilitre.
“Lead gets deposited in bones as time lapses and doesn’t even show up in urine. Tests done on cerebrospinal fluid didn’t find any inflammation. Other test results are yet to come. If other tests find nothing, then lead would be the culprit,” Shariff added.
Investigators shall look for dump sites of batteries which are possible sources of lead near the water sources.
“Open-air melting of lead should be looked into and the pesticide angle should also be investigated,” said Dr Shariff.
AIIMS Delhi and AIIMS Mangalagiri teams lead by medical superintendent Dr Rakesh Kakkar on Wednesday visited Eluru again and collected fresh samples. Most of the cases of the mystery illness reported were in and around Powerpet area of Eluru.
Dr S Chandrashekar from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology said water samples tested so far have no heavy metals.
“Some more water samples shall be analysed. We just started testing blood samples. We haven’t concluded anything so far on it. The old water supply pipes with lead may be one of the multiple possibilities,” he added.
During the day, AP health commissioner K Bhaskar said vegetables, fruits, soil and all other probable sources are being examined.
“While lead and pesticides continue to be concentrated upon, investigations pertaining to other pathogens, probable sources also being carried out,” he added.
Bhaskar said the mass convulsions and the subsequent decrease of lead content in the blood of patients after being admitted indicate it’s a case of acute exposure and not chronic exposure.
“This basically means that at this point in time it seems like a one-time spurt and the impact is limited to Eluru,” he added.
Cases have been reported from Eluru rural mandal and Denduluru mandal also where the source of water supply is not through municipal corporation, he said.
“People consuming mineral water on regular basis have also been affected,” he added.
AP Pollution Control Board has sent 10 water samples collected from Godavari and Eluru drinking water treatment facility and sent them to the lab at Vishakhapatnam. Joint Environmental Engineer of APPCB T Rajendar Reddy said, “We have sent the samples and awaiting results. The ambient air quality is normal,” he added.