TOI Impact: Rights panel seeks report on uranium toxicity in Punjab groundwater
The TOI report, published on Aug 5, revealed that nearly one-third of groundwater samples analysed by CGWB in Punjab contained toxic levels of uranium, along with harmful concentrations of arsenic, fluoride, and nitrate, raising serious public health concerns.
The commission — comprising chairperson Justice Sant Parkash and member Justice Gurbir Singh — has directed the CGWB regional director to submit a report before the next hearing on Sept 25.
The ministry of state for Jal Shakti, in response to Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, noted that 32.6% of groundwater samples tested in Punjab exceeded the permissible uranium limit of 0.03 mg/L — the highest contamination rate among all tested parameters. By comparison, 10.7% of samples in Delhi breached the same threshold.
High uranium levels in drinking water are known to cause kidney damage and long-term health complications.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
Of the 908 samples analysed in Punjab, 296 contained uranium beyond safe limits.
Other toxic elements were also found in significant proportions. Fluoride levels exceeded the safe limit of 1.5 mg/L in 13.8% of samples, with long-term exposure linked to arthritis, infertility, hypertension, neurotoxicity, and skeletal cancer, as well as potential damage to the liver, kidneys, and lungs. Nitrate contamination was observed in 12.6% of 922 samples, surpassing the permissible limit of 45 mg/L.
Arsenic levels were above the safety threshold of 0.01 mg/L in 4.8% of samples. Additionally, electrical conductivity (EC) exceeded 3000 µS/cm at 25°C in 6.7% of samples, indicating high salinity and the likely presence of dissolved solids.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
Milk to salad dressing: 6 foods that appear to be ‘healthy', but destroy gut health
Many foods marketed as healthy can negatively impact gut health. A gastroenterologist warns against snack bars, sugar-free gums, and store-bought salad dressings due to hidden sugars, artificial sweeteners, and inflammatory oils. Flavored yogurts and granola are also culprits, while milk in coffee can cause discomfort for some. Eating healthy foods is now considered more important than ever, as your overall health largely depends on it. But in the quest for nutritious foods, many fall for misleading marketing. Many foods marketed as 'healthy' can wreak havoc on your well-being, especially gut health. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist, has now warned about some of the foods that are often assumed 'healthy', but aren't. 'I'm a gut doctor, and some foods may look harmless but silently disrupt your gut microbiome. Here's what I skip and what I eat instead,' he said, sharing a list of foods. From milk to salad dressings, here are six foods you should avoid to protect your gut health. Snack bars Snack bars, including protein bars, often masquerade as healthy options, but what we hardly notice is that they are ultra-processed and loaded with sugars, and additives. Dr. Sethi says they are nothing but 'candy bars in disguise'. He stresses that these bars are loaded with emulsifiers, fake fiber, and seed oils. They destroy the healthy gut microbiome balance. Over time, these ingredients will leave you bloated and disrupt digestion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo Dr. Sethi suggests swapping processed bars for a handful of nuts or fresh fruits. You can pair them with natural nut butter. These provide fiber, healthy fats, and nutrients that benefit the gut. Sugar-free gums If you are reaching for sugar-free gums because you have cut sugar from your diet, it's a mistake. Sugar-free gums are worse than the regular varieties because the former is loaded with artificial sweeteners, like sorbitol, which can wreak havoc. 'They can trigger gas, bloating, and even diarrhea,' Dr. Sethi explains. That doesn't mean you forget about refreshing your mouth. Consider using natural alternatives like fennel seeds after meals. 'I take them daily,' the doctor said. Fennel seeds may also help digestion. Salad dressings Do you buy salad dressings from stores? Well, it's time to rethink your choice. Store-bought salad dressings may be convenient, and often come with bold claims like 'healthy', or 'no trans fat', but they are loaded with additives that harm your gut health. 'Even 'healthy' ones are often full of inflammatory oils and added sugars,' Dr. Sethi says. What can you do? Make your salad dressing at home. Add ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and some fresh herbs, and enjoy a nutritious and healthy dressing for your salad. And it's cheaper than the store-bought ones. Yogurts We are obsessed with yogurts now, thanks to their influencers and wellness gurus. Yes, yogurts are good for your gut health, due to their probiotic content. However, if you reach for flavoured yogurts, it kills most of the benefits. Dr. Sethi stresses that most of these flavoured yogurts are marketed as healthy, 'but often loaded with added sugars and artificial flavours.' Instead of flavoured varieties, pick the good old plain Greek yogurt and add berries, cinnamon, and chia seeds to make it more delicious and nutritious. Milk in coffee Yes, that's right. For some, adding milk to the coffee can do more harm than good. 'Lactose can be irritating for sensitive guts and trigger bloating or discomfort,' Dr. Sethi says. Instead, stick to plain black coffee. If you like milk in your coffee, go for almond milk, and add some cinnamon powder for a sweet boost. 'Kahin Bada, Kahin Chhota': Ravi Kishan Uses Samosa Analogy To Demand Regulation Of Food Prices Granola Millions of people across the world have granola for breakfast. This breakfast staple is considered healthy, but guess what? It isn't really. Most of the granola you buy is packed with added sugars, making it worse for your gut than some desserts, because excess sugar feeds the harmful bacteria, leading to inflammation. Dr. Sethi suggests opting for steel-cut oats or plain yogurt with berries and chia.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Kelley Mack dies of a ‘rare' brain cancer; The early signs ‘The Walking Dead' actress overlooked (and what you should watch out for)
Kelley Mack, beloved for her role as Addy in The Walking Dead, tragically passed away on August 2, in Cincinnati, Ohio, at just 33 years old. Her family shared that she died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and courage. Kelley died after a quiet and brave battle with a rare form of brain cancer. In September 2024, she publicly shared her diagnosis of central nervous system glioma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer. This cancer arises in the brain or spinal cord and is known for rapid progression and difficult treatment. She underwent aggressive treatment in hopes of beating the disease. Despite her fight, she passed away peacefully on August 2, surrounded by family, her mother Kristen and aunt Karen by her side during her final moments in Cincinnati. What is the disease she was suffering from? Kelley's death was due to diffuse midline glioma (DMG), an exceptionally rare and aggressive tumor affecting the brain and spinal cord. Classified as a grade IV astrocytoma, DMG is known for its speed and severity, giving patients a poor prognosis even with treatment. Statistically, only about 10% of individuals with DMG survive beyond two years. The Walking Dead actress faced this staggering challenge head-on, a testament to her resilience. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Him? Take A Deep Breath Before You See Him Now Reportingly Undo What is diffuse midline glioma (DMG)? Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a rare, aggressive type of cancerous brain tumor, most commonly found in children, that originates in the midline structures of the central nervous system. These tumors are characterized by their diffuse, infiltrative growth pattern and poor prognosis, with limited treatment options. DMG tumors are found in the midline structures of the brain, including the thalamus, brainstem (pons), and spinal cord. They are gliomas, meaning they arise from glial cells, which are support cells in the brain. DMGs are characterized by their diffuse, infiltrative growth, meaning they spread and invade surrounding healthy brain tissue. They are highly aggressive tumors with a poor prognosis, meaning they tend to grow rapidly and are difficult to treat effectively. DMGs are not very common. While they can occur in adults, they are most frequently diagnosed in children between the ages of 5 and 10. Due to their aggressive nature and limited treatment options, DMGs have a poor prognosis. Traditional treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy can offer some symptom relief, but are often ineffective in controlling tumor growth. Due to the tumor's location in delicate brain structures, according to the Brain Tumour Charity, surgical removal is often not possible. Early signs to watch out for Kelley's sudden death has shocked many, not just because of her young age, but because of how subtle and easily overlooked her early symptoms were. In late 2024, Kelley started feeling persistent lower back pain, a symptom she initially dismissed as a slipped disc. Over time, she also experienced nerve pain, shooting sensations in her legs, and unbearable discomfort when lying down. These early warnings (back pain, leg pain, nerve issues) can be easy to miss or attributed to a fast lifestyle, stress, and a lack of rest. Many people chalk them up to everyday strains. But in some cases, they're red flags: signs that something more serious may be happening deeper within the spine or brain. An emergency MRI later revealed an abnormal mass on her spinal cord, leading to the diagnosis of diffuse midline glioma. Kelley's sudden death left the fans mourning, but with several lessons, especially on how not to overlook the common signs and mistake them for simple inconveniences. If you're experiencing persistent back or nerve pain, especially if paired with leg numbness or shooting sensations, it shouldn't be ignored. If pain becomes worsening or constant, particularly when lying down, it's critical not to dismiss it as strain or posture-related. Getting a doctor's evaluation and imaging, like an MRI, can reveal serious issues that would otherwise remain hidden. Even common symptoms can mask dangerous conditions. Her story highlights an important truth: it's always better to check, even if you're young and feel otherwise healthy. Who was Kelley Mack? Born Kelley Klebenow on July 10, 1992, she grew up in Cincinnati with a deep love for filmmaking fueled by a childhood video camera. After graduating from Hinsdale Central High School in 2010, she earned a cinematography degree from Chapman University in 2014. Over her career, she accumulated 35 acting roles and five producer credits, proving her creative versatility. Her breakthrough role came in Season 9 of The Walking Dead (2018–2019) as Addy, a resident of the Hilltop Colony. Though her time on the show was brief, her performance was memorable and showed her ability to bring depth to ensemble casts. Kelley's talents extended beyond the zombie world. She portrayed Penelope Jacobs in Season 8 of Chicago Med and appeared in 9‑1‑1. Her film roles include Alice in the psychological thriller Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021) and Wilda in Delicate Arch (2024). Her final on-screen project was the comedy-drama Universal, released just weeks before her passing, where she was both in a starring role and as an executive producer alongside Joe Thomas.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Recall time for substandard drugs down from 30 to 2 days now
Bengaluru: Digitisation of the drug recall process in the state has reduced the time taken to withdraw substandard medicines from the market from 30 days to two now. In July, 67 drug samples were declared substandard, and drugs worth Rs 40.5 lakh were withdrawn in just two days, food safety and drug administration officials said. "In the past, they were just sending an ink-signed copy by post to far-off places. Thereafter, it would take three to four days again for processing. This led to delays in the recall process and substandard drugs would permeate the market by then. With new software in place, this recall is now possible within two days," food safety and drug administration commissioner Srinivas K told TOI. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Explaining how the old substandard drug recall system worked, Dr Kempaiah Suresh, deputy drugs controller, said: "Previously, the drug recall process was more manual. If found not of standard quality (NSQ), a report was generated on the XLN DCD website. The report was printed out and sent by post to the drugs controller and the district investigating official where the sample was drawn. From there on, the district investigating officer would send a letter to the rest of the district and other districts where this drug was distributed, in writing. The stock recall would take a month because of this lengthy process." Now, a major part of this process has been digitised. "The moment NSQ is declared, the investigating officer will e-sign the document (which is also valid in court). All stakeholders get a message from the XLN DCD portal within 2-3 hours of a drug being declared NSQ on their mobile numbers. The investigating officer then issues the notice, including to distributors concerned, via email and post. This email is sent within 48 hours. Officers can download the copy test report from the XNDLS portal. With this, NSQ stocks worth up to Rs 48 lakh were recalled in June," he added. This information is also sent to drugs controllers of other states for necessary action and recall of substandard drugs, thereby preventing NSQ drugs from reaching the public, the officer added. BOX Notices issued to street vendors, bus stand stalls for lapses Of 1,557 street vendors across the state inspected by the health department for food safety, quality, and hygiene in July, as many as 406 were issued notices for various lapses and fines amounting to Rs 44,500 were imposed on the spot. Training on hygiene and food quality was imparted to 1,240 food vendors. The department also issued notices to 206 of the 889 food stalls inspected at 186 bus stands across the state and imposed fines of Rs 55,000. As many as 99 food samples were sent to the laboratory for analysis. Notices were also issued to 190 hotels/restaurants out of 736 checked and fines of Rs 21,500 were imposed. The department also submitted 291 drinking water samples to the laboratory for analysis.
