Study of food toxicology of toxins artificially introduced into the food or fruits

Abstract

A recent incidence reported in NEWS media of artificial fruits ripening agent’s toxic to health and killed several seasonal fruit eaters because of the toxicity of the fruit introduced with such toxic ripening agents that affect adversely on health of humans and animals both consumers equivalently have been highlighted in this study.

Background

The field of food toxicology is concerned with studying the harmful effects of various substances present in food and their impact on human health. The rationale behind food toxicology lies in the need to ensure the safety and quality of our food supply, as well as to protect consumers from potential hazards associated with food consumption.

Plant-based poisons, also known as; phytotoxins, are naturally occurring substances produced by various plant species that can be harmful to humans and animals. Some examples of plant-based poisons include cyanogenic glycosides found in cassava, alkaloids in deadly nightshade, and ricin in castor beans.

The toxicology of plant-based poisons varies depending on the specific poison and the amount consumed. Some phytotoxins are toxic at very low doses, while others require higher doses to cause harm. The mode of action of plant-based poisons also varies; some toxins affect the nervous system, while others affect the cardiovascular system or disrupt cellular processes.

The symptoms of plant-based poisoning can range from mild to severe and can include gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, seizures, and even death. Treatment for plant-based poisoning typically involves removing the source of the poison and providing supportive care, such as: intravenous fluids and medication to control symptoms.

Prevention of plant-based poisoning involves identifying and avoiding potentially toxic plants, properly preparing foods to remove toxins, and using caution when handling plants known to be toxic. It is also important to seek medical attention immediately if poisoning is suspected.

Cyanogenic glycosides are a type of plant-based poison found in many common foods such as: cassava, almonds, lima beans, and flaxseed. These glycosides are chemically bound to sugars in the plant cells and can be released through crushing, grinding, or chewing.

When cyanogenic glycosides are ingested, they can be metabolised into hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in the body. HCN is a highly toxic gas that inhibits cellular respiration, leading to tissue damage and death. The severity of cyanide poisoning depends on the amount or number of cyanogenic glycosides ingested, the individual’s ability to metabolize cyanide, and the duration of exposure.

Symptoms of cyanide poisoning can include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and rapid heart rate. In severe cases, cyanide poisoning can cause loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, and death.

Prevention of cyanide poisoning involves proper preparation and cooking of cyanogenic plants, which can reduce the amount of cyanogenic glycosides present in the food. For example, soaking cassava in water and boiling it for at least 30 min can reduce the cyanide content to safe levels. It is also important to avoid eating wild plants and to seek medical attention immediately if poisoning is suspected.

Ricin is a highly toxic protein found in the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis). It is one of the most potent plant-based poisons known to man and can cause serious illness or death if ingested or inhaled.

The toxicity of ricin is due to its ability to inhibit protein synthesis within cells, leading to cell death and tissue damage. Ricin can be toxic in very small amounts, and exposure can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.

Symptoms of ricin poisoning depend on the route of exposure and the amount of ricin that was ingested or inhaled. Ingestion of even a few castor beans can be fatal and can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. Inhalation of ricin can cause respiratory distress, cough, fever, and pneumonia-like symptoms.

There is no specific antidote for ricin poisoning, and treatment is focused on managing symptoms and providing supportive care. In severe cases, mechanical ventilation or other forms of life support may be necessary.

Prevention of ricin poisoning involves avoiding exposure to castor beans and ricin-containing products. This includes not consuming castor beans, avoiding contact with castor bean plants, and properly handling and disposing of castor bean products. In addition, individuals who work with ricin, such as: laboratory workers or military personnel, should take appropriate safety precautions and receive proper training to minimise the risk of exposure.

Toxic proteins are proteins produced by living organisms that can cause harm to humans or animals. These proteins can be found in a variety of sources including plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi.

The toxicity of proteins can vary depending on the specific protein and the amount consumed. Some toxic proteins are toxic at very low doses, while others require higher doses to cause harm. The mode of action of toxic proteins can also vary, with some proteins affecting the nervous system, while others affect the cardiovascular system or disrupt cellular processes.

Symptoms of protein toxicity can range from mild to severe and can include gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, seizures, and even death. Treatment for protein toxicity typically involves removing the source of the poison and providing supportive care, such as: intravenous fluids and medication to control symptoms.

Prevention of protein toxicity involves identifying and avoiding potentially toxic sources of protein, properly preparing foods to remove toxins, and using caution when handling substances known to be toxic. It is also important to seek medical attention immediately if poisoning is suspected.

Introduction

The rationale of the study was to understand the toxicity introduced in the food through various means. Some of the toxic substances naturally occurs in the plant materials and can be very dangerous and life threatening. While some might be artificially introduced. The natural phytotoxins that are part of the naturally occurring toxins in the plant can come in contact to the food sources through direct introduction or by artificially through use of natural phytotoxins induced pesticides on plants and fruits.

The key rationales of the study of the food toxicology was to: safety assessment, risk management, hazard identification, and consumer protection by identifying the threats associated with these study.

Thus, the main rationale for food toxicology is to protect public health, ensure food safety, and reduce the dangers associated with food intake. Researchers and regulatory bodies can collaborate to develop strategies for producing and consuming safe and nutritious food by examining the toxicological qualities of food components and pollutants.

The practical focus can be discussed as: food toxicology plays an important function in determining the safety of the food products. It entails detecting and analysing the risks to human health of potential hazards such as: hazardous chemicals, pollutants, or naturally occurring toxic substances. This data assists regulatory agencies in developing food safety standards and guidelines for food production, processing, and consumption.

Food toxicology provides critical information for risk management techniques. Experts can assess safe levels of exposure, define maximum allowed limits for pollutants, and devise appropriate control measures to prevent hazards by understanding the toxicological features of certain compounds. This data assists legislators, food manufacturers, and public health officials in making informed consumer-protection decisions.

Food toxicology aids in the identification of dangers connected with certain food components or procedures. It entails researching the toxicity of numerous compounds such as: food additives, pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and allergies. Scientists can create technologies to detect, monitor, and control these compounds to prevent detrimental health consequences by detecting possible dangers.

Artificial fruit ripening agents such as: ethanol, ethylene, ethephon,¹ and calcium carbide (CaC₂) is usually employed in stimulating the fruit ripening process. Currently, there is a paucity of information regarding the effects of various artificial fruits ripening methods on the health status of consumers.

CaC₂ is colourless and decomposes in water, forming flammable acetylene gas and calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)₂).²

The pure material is colourless, but most samples have a colour ranging from black to grayish-white, depending on the grade. Its density is 2.22 g/cc and it melts at 2160°C with a boiling point (under an inert atmosphere) of 2300°C, where it decomposes. Its main use industrially is in the production of acetylene and calcium cyanamide, CaCN₂. Calcium carbide is produced industrially in an electric-arc furnace from a mixture of CaCO₃ and coke (carbon) at ⁓2000°C. This method has not changed since its invention in 1888:

The global increase in the demand for ripe fruits has induced unhealthy use of toxic chemicals in fruit ripening. One of such chemicals in common use is calcium carbide (CaC₂). Due to its nature, commercial CaC₂ is consistently found to contain impurities such as Arsenic and other toxic and carcinogenic chemicals. Few studies have only reported acute associative effects of CaC₂, whereas there is only sparse evidence of its chronic and long-term impact.²

It is important to be aware of the potential toxicity and health risks associated with chemical ripened mangoes. Chemical based fruits are often treated with preservatives, waxing agents, dyes, or flavor enhancers in order to make them look attractive. These chemicals may increase the risk of cancer as well as other diseases such as: diabetes and thyroid disorders.

Pesticides that are used on some farmers’ crops can linger even after washing the fruit before consumption meaning harmful substances can still remain when consuming chemically ripened mangoes. It’s also important to note that these chemical residues may accumulate over time and create more serious long-term consequences like neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and reproductive problems among others if regularly consumed in large amounts. Therefore, it is advised that people should avoid buying chemically ripened fruits whenever possible and stick to purchasing organic options instead which do not contain any toxic additives or pesticides for a healthier lifestyle.

There is a concern over the potential toxicity of chemical ripened mangoes. This is due to several factors, including the following:

(i) The use of harmful chemicals such as: calcium carbide and ethrel to artificially ripen mangoes quickly has been linked to adverse health effects in humans who consume them.

(ii) Studies have found that chemically ripened mangoes contain higher levels toxins compared to naturally ripened ones, which can be dangerous when eaten regularly or consumed in large amounts by people with weak immune systems or other existing medical conditions.

(iii) It has also been shown that workers involved in growing and handling these fruits may suffer from long-term exposure if exposed concentrations of certain toxic substances exceed acceptable levels for safety standards set forth by various organisations like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).³

Calcium carbide and ethrel toxicity in humans, birds, and animals can be dangerous. This is due to a number of factors, including the following:

(i) Both calcium carbide and ethrel are corrosive and highly toxic when ingested or inhaled by humans, birds, and animals.

(ii) Long-term exposure to both compounds can cause damage to organs such as: the liver, kidneys, and blood cells.

(iii) Ingesting either substance may also lead to nausea, dizziness, respiratory distress (in humans), seizures and even death in extreme cases if prompt medical attention is not given quickly enough.

(iv) Animals exposed to these substances may experience symptoms such as: diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, and breathing difficulties; it has been observed that some species of bird have been affected more than others by this toxin.

Calcium carbide and ethrel are toxic to both humans, birds, and animals. They can cause a range of adverse health effects including skin irritation, respiratory issues, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Long-term exposure may also lead to organ damage or cancer in some cases.

The toxicity of these compounds is due to the release of acetylene gas when they come into contact with water which acts as an irritant and has been shown to be harmful when inhaled at high concentrations over extended periods of time. Additionally, calcium Carbide contains trace elements such as arsenic which can have long-term impacts on human health even in low doses if exposure persists for lengthy periods of time. Ethrel itself is usually non-toxic but it does break down in the environment producing by products that contain sulfuric acid which can become airborne causing irritation if inhaled directly or through dust particles settling onto animal fur or human hair.

A carcinogen known as calcium carbide (CaC₂)⁴ known as carbide or calcium acetylide² is frequently used to artificially ripen mangoes. When CaC₂ is used to ripen mangoes, it causes severe health problems such as: neurological problems,² ulcers, hypoxia,² memory loss (cognitive decline), and so forth.

Calcium carbide and ethrel toxicity in humans, birds, and animals can be tested for detection using a number of methods. This includes biological tests such as measuring biochemical parameters in blood or tissue samples; environmental tests such as analysing air concentrations; and laboratory methods such as: spectrophotometry or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. These methods allow researchers to accurately assess the toxicity levels of calcium carbide and ethrel, allowing them to determine potential risks associated with exposure to these chemicals. Additionally, several studies have been conducted that examine areas affected by airborne contaminants containing calcium carbide and ethrel cloridrato. Such studies provide valuable information on the possible health effects related to long-term inhalation of particles containing these substances.

Calcium carbide and ethrel are chemicals commonly used in agriculture, but they can be toxic to humans, birds, and animals. To test for their toxicity levels there are a number of methods available.

These include:

(i) Physical examinations—examining the affected individuals or area for signs of calcium carbide or ethrel poisoning. This includes using air sampling devices to detect these substances around the individual or environment that could have been exposed to them; looking at pH values in soil or plants after exposure; as well as monitoring water quality near agricultural sites where these compounds were applied.

(ii) Chemical testing—chemical assays designed specifically for each substance (calcium carbide and ethrel)⁵ are employed to measure its concentration level within a sample taken from contaminated foodstuffs/soil, etc. The results obtained will indicate which areas need attention so preventative action can be undertaken if necessary.

(iii) Biological testing—bioassays such as biomarker tests are often used detect any potential effects on human health due to inhalation of dust generated by farming activities employing either one (or both) Carbetamide / Ethylene bisdithiocarbamate formulations. Samples taken before & after application allow determination how much damage has occurred under specific conditions & set-up over time too.

Calcium carbide⁵ and ethrel toxicity is of particular concern among humans, birds, and animals due to their potentially lethal effects. In order to detect the presence of either substance in an animal or human body system, several tests are available that measure various biological indicators including urine levels and blood samples. Additional biochemical analysis such as metabolite analyses can also be performed if needed for further detection purposes. Currently there is no single test for calcium carbide/ethrel toxicity across all species but it requires a variety of detections tools depending on the situation at hand in order to provide accurate assessment results. Specific indicator tests may include measuring acetylene concentrations within blood plasma or ascertaining elevated levels of carbon monoxide developed from exposure through inhalation over long-term periods, etc.

Calcium carbide and ethrel are known to be toxic in humans, birds, and animals. To detect these toxins, there are a number of tests that can be conducted. These include the following:

(i) Blood Tests—Blood samples can be tested for levels of calcium carbide or ethrel to detect their presence in the body.

(ii) Tissue Analysis—Samples of tissue from organs or other areas of the body can be analysed for signs of toxicity due to calcium carbide or ethrel exposure. For all reports on the acute effects of CaC₂, such as: skin burns, skin irritations, and inflammation.²

(iii) Urine Tests—Urine samples can also be tested for presence of calcium carbide and ethyl alcohol metabolites as an indication that these compounds have been present in the system at some point before urine collection occurred.

(iv) Hair Analyses—Levels of both substances may appear in hair follicles if they were ever exposed.

(v) Saliva Test—Saliva testing may reveal presence/levels of either substance depending on when saliva sample was collected relative to exposure event.

Hospital reports:

There have been a number of hospital reports on the toxicity of calcium carbide and ethrel. Studies have shown that exposure to these substances can cause serious side effects, including damage to the respiratory system and skin irritation. Long-term exposure has also been linked to changes in hormone production, as well as reproductive problems such as infertility, miscarriage, stillbirths, or premature births.

In some cases, ingestion, or inhalation of calcium carbide or ethrel can lead to death due to pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in the lungs). Therefore, it is important for people who are exposed to take proper safety measures such as wearing protective clothing and masks when handling these chemicals.

Research has shown that calcium carbide and ethrel toxicity are two of the leading causes of hospital reports in many countries. This is due to a number of factors, including the following:

(i) The widespread use of these substances in agricultural processes such as: ripening fruits or vegetables, oil extraction and sterilising grapes for wine making can lead to inadvertent exposure through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. The increased use of these substances for agricultural purposes. In attempts to increase crop yields, more farmers are turning to chemical pesticides such as: calcium carbide and Ethrel, which can be toxic if mishandled or inhaled.

(ii) Calcium carbide⁵ contains arsenic which can cause respiratory problems if inhaled over long periods of time. It also increases risk factor for certain kinds cancers when ingested. Lack of knowledge on safe usage measures among users with inadequate training and skillsets. Often handlers or retailers may not understand how best to manage pesticide exposure risks when handling them incorrectly or in improper settings; this increases the likelihood of experiencing adverse health effects from over-exposure and inhalation of particular toxins contained within these chemicals compounds.

Increased access availability into markets by a variety of sources that include but limited to cheaper costs than the official authorised suppliers who will generally provide an information safety briefing before sales take place potentially preventing those acute cases making it through accidently poisoning examples into hospitals reported incidents.

(iii) Ethrel can be highly corrosive to tissues on contact with it meaning doctors have had increase cases from accidental exposure. In addition, it releases methyl bromide gasses during application causing prolonged damage to tissue on active sites such as lunges.

Calcium carbide and ethrel have been reported to be toxic when inhaled or ingested, resulting in symptoms such as: dizziness, headache, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), vomiting, and breathing difficulty.⁶ Reports of calcium carbide-related incidents originating from hospitals suggest that shortness of breath is one of the greatest risks associated with this substance and can lead to emergency medical attention. Ethrel toxicity reports cite eye irritation/redness as a frequent complaint among emergency room patients exposed to this pesticide. In some cases, exposure has led to central nervous system depression including confusion, coma, and even death due to respiratory failure. As both substances are hazardous materials requiring extra caution for handling and storage procedures it is important for those aware of potential exposure seek immediate hospital care if experiencing any severe symptoms related thereto.

(iv) Both chemicals disrupts normal body functions by inhibiting enzyme activity and cell respiration thereby increasing chances toxicology related complications like kidney and liver diseases mild nerve damages, etc., if not treated properly.

Main text

CaC₂ is considered toxic to human health due to several reasons. The unwitting detonation of this chemical reaction can cause severe ocular burn injury with unilateral or bilateral blindness due to traces of Arsenic and phosphorous hydride, which are hazardous.²

Snippet

Artificially ripened plantain was mixed with rat feed and fed to Wistar albino rats for 4 weeks, and the levels of plasma electrolytes (Na⁺_, HCO₃⁻, K⁺, and Cl⁻), urea, creatinine, as well as histological changes in the kidneys were determined.

The findings showed that plasma bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) levels were considerably higher in carbide-ripened plantain-fed rats than in control rats, but plasma sodium (Na⁺) levels did not vary. However, when compared to control rats, rats fed with CaC2-ripened plantain had considerably lower plasma levels of potassium (K⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻). In addition, rats fed CaC₂-ripened plantain had considerably higher levels of urea and creatinine than did control animals. Further evidence of kidney toxicity came from histological investigations that revealed glomeruli atrophy and tubular necrosis in the kidneys of rats fed CaC₂-ripened plantain. Consuming fruits that have been ripened with calcium carbide may affect the kidneys, according to histological evidence and changes in the levels of plasma electrolytes, urea, and creatinine.⁴

Calcium carbide exposure in humans from food and potential probe analysis

Calcium carbide⁵ has the nominal formula of CaC₂ and the molecular weight of 64.0992 g/mol.

Exposure to calcium carbide can be harmful to humans, particularly if it is inhaled, ingested, or comes into contact with the skin or eyes. Calcium carbide is a chemical compound that is used in various industrial applications, such as: in the production of acetylene gas, and is also used as a ripening agent for some fruits, such as: mangoes and bananas.

Ethephon has the potential to cause severe skin and eye irritation (Toxicity Category I), but otherwise is moderately acutely toxic. An organophosphate pesticide, it has the potential to cause cholinesterase inhibition. Ethephon is classified as a “Group D” carcinogen because there is insufficient weight of evidence regarding its cancer-causing potential.¹

Inhalation of calcium carbide dust or fumes can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to calcium carbide can lead to chronic bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory disorders.

Ingestion of calcium carbide can be very dangerous and can cause serious health effects. Calcium carbide reacts with water to produce acetylene gas, (C₂H₂) and calcium hydroxide which can cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even coma or death in severe cases.

Contact with calcium carbide can cause skin irritation and chemical burns, and exposure to the eyes can cause irritation, redness, and vision problems.

Prevention of calcium carbide exposure involves using appropriate protective measures, such as: wearing gloves and a face mask, when handling the chemical, and avoiding inhalation or ingestion of calcium carbide. It is also important to properly store and handle calcium carbide, and to seek medical attention immediately if exposure occurs.

Calcium carbide⁷; Acetylenogen⁷; Calcium Acetylide,⁸ enters the human system mostly by eating of fruits that have been chemically quick-ripened as well as through inhalation of aerosols, powders, and gaseous calcium carbide byproducts of these fruits. CaC₂ is employed for food processing in addition to fruit ripening. Some commercial food vendors add this poison to the water used to boil eggs because they think it would decrease the rate of cracking and lengthen the shelf life of the cooked eggs. Hard-to-cook bean sellers from other companies add CaC₂.²

Health effects

Eyes: Skin: Inhalation: Irritation and burns Irritation, rash and burning feeling Mouth, nose, throat and lung irritation with coughing and severe shortness of breath (pulmonary edema).⁸

First aid and decontamination

Remove the person from exposure. Flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 min. Remove contact lenses if worn. Seek medical attention. Quickly remove contaminated clothing and wash contaminated skin with large amounts of water. Begin artificial respiration if breathing has stopped and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. Medical observation is recommended as symptoms may be delayed.⁸

Conclusion

The study of some chemical agents that are used in ripening of fruits have been found to be toxic to health. Ethephon induces skin and eye irritation (Toxicity Category I), also acutely toxic. Ethephon is classified as a “Group D” carcinogen because there is insufficient weight of evidence regarding its cancer-causing potential. The United states environmental protection agency (EPA) uses a classification system to evaluate the potential carcinogenicity of chemicals. The system ranges from Group A (known human carcinogens) to Group E (evidence of non-carcinogenicity in humans). Group D is actually a category for chemicals that have not been classified as to their carcinogenicity to humans, due to insufficient data.

Ethephon is a plant growth regulator that is widely used in agriculture to promote fruit ripening and increase yields. While there have been some studies that have suggested a potential link between ethephon exposure and cancer in animals; while evidences are not sufficient to classify it as a human carcinogen. However, like with any chemical, it is important to handle ethephon with care and follow all safety precautions to minimise the risk of exposure.

Electronic media

Media one. Media two.

Acknowledgment

None.

Authors’ contributions

Both authors have contributed toward the study.

Conflict of interest. None.

Address/post at: Nashik Gramin Shikshan Prasarak Mandal’s, College of Pharmacy, Bramha Valley Educational Campus, (Lit. trans. in English, ‘The college of pharmacy, campus for the rural and the village development; Bramha Valley Educational campus, Nashik’.). At, Anjaneri, Trambak, Nashik-422213. Affiliated to SPPU; formerly known as: university of Pune. Visit at website address: https://cop.brahmavalley.com/

References