KARACHI: A study has shown the presence of high levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and cadmium in fresh fruit juices and milkshakes sold in different parts of the city, a local media outlet reported on Sunday.
The research, conducted by Professor Moazzam Ali Khan and Dr Amir Alamgir at the Institute of Environmental Studies, Karachi University under the title Assessment of heavy metals in street-vended fresh fruit juices, Karachi analysed over 80 samples collected from different parts of the city between 2017- 2018.
The presence of such heavy metals as arsenic, lead or cadmium can cause a number of diseases, including cancer. In addition, the development of brain and the nervous system in children could be affected due to lead ingestion.
The authors explained that long-term exposure to arsenic can lead to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and skin problems.
Analysis of the samples indicated that most of the heavy metals were being carried by water and milk used in preparing the drinks. The water is contaminated with industrial waste while milk is contaminated because animals are raised by being fed fodder grown with contaminated water. In addition, use of pesticides, unsafe fertilizers, and polluted water for irrigation can cause the presence of these metals in milk and water.
Metals such as zinc, chromium, iron or nickel are naturally found in most fruits and vegetables and are necessary for healthy functioning of the body provided that they are within recommended intake limits.
