Study finds high incidence of diseases in Eloor belt Staff Reporter, The Hindu
Government urged to take measures to check pollution KOCHI: A study conducted by the Thiruvananthapuram-based NGO, Thanal,and the Periyar Malineekarana Virudha Samithi found that hundreds of people living near Kuzhikandam creek at Eloor were afflicted with various diseases, including cancer and congenital birth defects. The study, which began in April 2005, concluded that indiscriminate pollution had resulted in increased incidence of diseases and death among people living in the Eloor industrial belt. "Diseases, including cancer, congenital birth defects, bronchitis, asthma, allergic dermatitis, nervous disorders and behavioural changes, were found to be common in Eloor," the report said. The study was conducted among people of 327 families in the region. More than 1,380 persons were covered under the project. Investigations found that members of 311 families were afflicted with various diseases. Nearly 40 persons had died of cancer in the last five years. Members of 135 families suffered from ENT and respiratory problems. Most of them experienced such difficulties after inhaling smoke during the morning and night. Nearly 40 persons had asthmatic problems. Skin problems were found in 106 families. Many persons complained of itching caused by regular use of water, fish and meat, presence of smoke in the region and sweating. Consumption of water taken from wells and direct pipelines also posed health hazards. About 47 per cent of the people had allergy problems. More than 30 per cent experienced nausea after inhaling smoke from industrial units. Kidney problems were detected in 14 persons. Seven persons had liver problems. People in 38 families suffered from heart ailments. Blood-related disorders were found in 28 persons. About 45 women had gynaecological problems. They also experienced irregular menstrual cycles. About 15 per cent of the residents had uncontrolled muscular movements. Children in 20 families had learning disabilities. The study found that industrial pollution caused by discharge of hazardous chemicals, including DDT, hexachlorocyclohexanes, heavy metals, cadmium, mercury, endosulfan, chromium, copper, mercury, lead, toluene, manganese and nickel , into Kuzhikandam creek had adversely affected the health condition of people in Eloor. Urging the authorities to intervene at the earliest, the report recommended that the Government take steps to restore the health of Eloor residents. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ greenyouth mailinglist is the activist support mailinglist for kerala run by Global Alternate Information Applications (GAIA) To post to this group, send email to [email protected] -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
