Abstract

GENOTOXICITY AND ADVERSE HUMAN HEALTH OUTCOMES AMONG PEOPLE LIVING NEAR HIGHLY POLLUTED WASTE WATER DRAINS IN PUNJAB, INDIA

Dr. J S Thakur*, Dr. Shankar Prinja, Prof. Dalbir Singh, Prof. Arvind Rajwanshi, Dr. Sunil Arora, Prof. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. Harjinder Kaur Parwana, Prof. Rajesh Kumar

Abstract

Background: Depleting water resources, industrialization and rampant use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture has led to pollution of water bodies in Punjab. This is associated with acute and chronic morbidities among humans. Objectives: To ascertain the pattern and extent of water pollution and determine association if any between exposure to water pollution and adverse human health. Methods: A cross sectional study was done among 5567 and 2289 persons selected in reference and control area. Effluent, ground and surface water samples along with fodder, vegetable, milk (bovine and human), blood and urine samples were tested to ascertain effects of heavy metal and pesticide pollution of water bodies. Genotoxicity was assessed by micronucleus assay and DNA adduct studies. Results: Gastrointestinal, water-related, eye, skin and bone diseases were significantly associated among reference area population (p

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