Friday, April 3, 2009

Punjab disability 'uranium link'

MapTests on children with cerebral palsy or mental disabilities in the Indian state of Punjab have revealed high levels of uranium. A charity based in Faridkot city said chemical analyses of hair specimens collected from 149 children in its care showed "unexpected amounts" of toxins.

The children included in the study were all under 13, it said.

The result has baffled the authorities as there are no known sources of uranium in Punjab.

'Startling'

The chemical tests were conducted on the suggestion of Dr Carin Smit, a South African metal toxicologist associated with the UK-based non-governmental organisation Defeat Autism Now. Samples of hair collected from the 149 children, then resident at the Faridkot-based charity, Baba Farid Centre for Special Children, were tested at Trace Mineral, a laboratory in Germany.

The results were startling, Prithpal Singh, head of Baba Farid, said.

"Around 80% of the samples, including those from children with cerebral palsy, revealed the presence of uranium in levels that the experts have described as pathological," Mr Singh said.

via BBC NEWS | South Asia | Punjab disability 'uranium link'.

Dang. Good thang we don't have got us none uh that Yooou-rain-um over here in the US of A. We found a place to put it. Don't worry about where. Some place.

1 comment:

Ann said...

... "Don’t worry about where. Some place" ...? Like ... check out the Navajo Reservation.