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Carcinogens: ICMR to study samples

Carcinogens: ICMR to study samples

Time of Indiaa day ago
New Delhi: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) submitted a reply to the National Green Tribunal stating that it will soon initiate a study by collecting blood and urine samples of drivers to evaluate whether chemical compounds called TCEP, TCIPP and TDCIPP found in flame retardants materials used in the cars are potentially carcinogenic.
The response comes in the wake of a study published in journal Environmental Science and Technology saying that cars have flame retardant chemicals considered potentially carcinogenic. The study was concerned about Tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) and Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP). Of these, ICMR has already recognised TCEP as a carcinogen.
A bench headed by NGT chairman, justice Prakash Shrivastava, had sought details about the matter.
Responding on July 22, ICMR said it intends to test 360 professional drivers by collecting their urine and blood sample to test for presence of the chemical compounds. The study could take at least 18 months. The proposal of ICMR-NIOH, Ahmedabad, would detail the study objectives, methodology, budget requirements, as well as timelines for conducting the research, ICMR told NGT.
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Some of the objectives would be to assess exposure of flame retardants and their metabolites among professional drivers and to compare biological levels of flame-retardants/their metabolites in "variable climatic conditions and vehicular stratification".
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"As per the proposal, the above mentioned research study would involve a zone-stratified bio-monitoring. In terms of the proposal, completing laboratory analysis of biological samples, data processing, statistical valuation, exposure modelling, and reporting would require approximately 18 months," ICMR said.
"Apart from the time period mentioned above, since a budgetary requirement of approximately Rs 85,32,800 is involved to conduct the proposed research study, due sanction and approval have to be obtained from the authorities concerned.
Therefore, additionally, a period of nine months approximately would be required in obtaining the said requisite approvals/sanctions."
Earlier in May, an ICMR report referred to several leading international agencies, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer under the World Health Organization and environment and toxicology institutes in the US and Europe having published systematic reviews identifying carcinogenic chemicals in flame retardants used in motor cars to which humans may be exposed through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact.
The report said that only one of the compounds, namely TCEP, appeared on the list of potential carcinogens, while others did not. In response, NGT had requested a more detailed analysis of the compounds.
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