Rajouri deaths | Cadmium, Aldicarb, Sulfon: Over 200 toxins being investigated
Srinagar, Jan 24: Indian Institute of Toxicology Research Lucknow has confirmed ‘significant levels of cadmium’ in some samples collected from the people affected by the ‘mysterious illness’ in Badhaal Rajouri.
Yet, this metal has not been confirmed to be the cause of deaths and sickness in over 32 individuals from the area.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh Friday said that cadmium was traced in bodies of the victims of Badhaal tragedy. Cadmium was also detected in the samples of Aijaz Ahmed, a victim who is undergoing treatment at PGI Chandigarh.
Cadmium is a neurotoxin that can lead to serious health implications. Till date, 17 people, 14 of them minors, have lost life in the village.
Three patients are undergoing treatment at SMGS and GMC hospitals, Jammu, while over 200 close contacts of the victims have been isolated and are under close monitoring and observation of authorities.
At Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri, where many samples have been taken and sent for analysis, Epidemiologist Dr Syed Shuja Qadri said, “Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, has been found in higher doses in around 10 affected individuals. However, the clinical profile of cadmium poisoning does not match the symptoms of the victims, leaving experts baffled.”
In addition to cadmium, aldicarb, a carbamate pesticide, and sulfon have also been detected in the victims. Aldicarb is known to inhibit cholinesterase (a chemical that helps transmit nerve activity) activity, leading to adverse toxic effects.
However, the presence of these toxins does not seem to be the cause of death, as the clinical profile of the victims does not match the expected symptoms.
According to Dr Qadri, the investigation has narrowed down to the possibility of a neurotoxin causing acute Encephalitis or Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). The mode of exposure is likely ingestion, but it is unclear whether the exposure was continued or intermittent.
“We have by now understood that the deaths have been caused by a neurotoxin and it seems to have reached the bodies of the victims through food or water,” Dr Qadri said.
“May be, it is just an incidental finding. Till now we don’t have any lab evidence to pin the cause,” he said.
The source of cadmium poisoning is still unknown, but possible sources include contaminated water, batteries, or paints.
The GMC Rajouri team has sent visceral samples of the deceased to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) for further analysis.
Dr Qadri said over 200 toxins are being considered, acknowledging the investigation is a complex one. “Reputed organizations from across India have taken samples and are analysing them to help determine the cause of the mysterious deaths,” he said.
On Thursday, MLA Budhal Javed Chaudhary said an antidote for cadmium poisoning was being prepared to help in the treatment of victims.
