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Toxic Heavy Metal Measurement in Biological Matter: |
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Anodic stripping Voltammeter has been in use from 1998 to measure toxic trace metals like lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As),
Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Thallium (Ti), Aluminum (Al) and Iron (Fe) in blood, urine and liver biopsy samples from various hospitals including Municipal Hospitals, which regularly refer suspected metal poisoning cases. Recently we have also started measurements of Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Selenium and Mercury (Hg). Patients are referred to us by various hospitals. Samples from municipal hospitals are generally analyzed at concessional rates. We also analyze ayurvedic and homeopathic medicines for steroids and heavy metals. We propose to continue measurements of toxic heavy metals in atmospheric particulate matter as well as in drinking water all over Mumbai.During 1998-2008, we have analyzed more than 5000 samples of Pb, Cu, As, Tl, Hg, Fe, Zn, Cd on Atomic absorption Spectrophotometer and Voltammeter.
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Studies on Lead Poisoning: |
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Lead Poisoning among children in Artificial Jewelry manufacturing units in Malad, Mumbai, was identified in our laboratory, where more than thirty blood samples were analyzed out of which twelve had severe symptoms of lead poisoning such as convulsions and coma. We plan to conduct a medical camp in that area and propose to test more people. We will also advise them on corrective methods in ventilation.
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Studies of Thallium Poisoning: |
There is a great demand for Thallium analyses in hair, nail, urine, and blood samples in poisoned patients from different hospitals. We have been successful in diagnosing and saving many patients, as right treatment could be given based on our prompt
thallium diagnosis.
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| 4. |
Analyses of Gutkha |
| A preliminary study was carried out to estimate heavy metals in nine brands of gutkha available in Mumbai City. Samples showed high levels of copper, cadmium, arsenic and nicotine. This pilot study was presented to the Government of Maharashtra and used as evidence in their landmark decision to ban gutkha from the State. |
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Air Pollution Measurement In Mumbai |
| Air Monitoring of criteria pollutants, i.e., Total Suspended Particulate Matter (PM10), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Oxides of Nitrogen (NO) and Ozone (03) is carried out yearly, throughout Greater Mumbai. The data is published in local newspapers to create social awareness. |
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| 6. |
Respiratory Health Survey in collaboration with Bombay Hospital |
| A project undertaken for studying the asthma prevalence in Mumbai based on epidemiological principles. It was part of an International project where 230 centers all over the world were involved with a standardized protocol.
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| 7. |
Health checkups and Respiratory Survey for BMC’s Conservancy Workers |
Collaboration with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC):
Conservancy workers of BMC - sweepers and garbage handlers of all the wards in the city were examined. All Conservancy workers in Wards K (West), N (East) and H (West) of BMC were covered.
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| 8. |
Study of lung disease using alpha I Antitrypsin enzyme |
| In collaboration with National Institute of Health, (NIH) BETHESDA, U.S.A.: The normal serum value of Alpha I Antitrypsin Enzyme, a common cause of lung disease in Indian population was studied using electrophoresis analysis to locate position of normal or variant alleles in Indian population.
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| 9. |
Health checkup of Mumbai Traffic Police |
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In collaboration with the traffic police: The lung function and blood lead levels were measured along with air sampling for SO2, NO, Ozone and TSPM amongst traffic policemen and preventive measures were advised. |
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Bronchial asthma in children and correlation with air pollution |
School children were screened for asthma prevalence. Those found asthmatic were visited by social workers at a two-week interval for a period of six weeks. Diary of asthmatic symptoms and use of asthma medication were recorded for establishing the environment effect.
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| 11. |
Asthma education program |
| IIEM has set up a free asthma clinic in for educating the asthma patients and their relatives on pathophysiology and management of asthma. Similarly, our COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) clinic offers diagnosis, assessment and treatment for the COPD patients.
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| 12. |
Health check-up of industrial workers |
| Health check-ups were carried out in the industrial area of MAHAD and monitoring of indoor and outdoor pollution were done simultaneously. |
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| Yearly projects: |
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1999 - Cable Corporation of India Ltd: Analysis of Biological Samples (Blood Analysis for lead levels in employees). |
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2000 – Birla Copper Co Ltd: Data Instrument Setting for both Calibration and Analysis of Thiourea used during copper production. |
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2001 - Artificial Jewelry – Case Studies on lead poisoning, Dr. Pareira Child Care Clinic, Kandivali Mumbai |
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2003 - Tata Memorial Hospital Chemical Analysis: Smokers Tobacco |
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2003 – 2004 Well Spring Hospital, Piramal Health care Pvt. Ltd.: Chemical Analysis & R.O. Water for Dialysis unit. |
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2004 – 2005 Environmental Monitoring & Clearance & Iron Ore Mines in Goa (Rapid EIA) For Chowgule and Company Limited. |
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2006 - Sahney School: Epidemiologist study in School children Mumbai. |
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2006-2007 – Ongoing, Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease “BOLD” studies.
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2007 – On-site dust and noise monitoring, for Reliance Engineering Associates Pvt Ltd. |
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2008 – Indoor air quality monitoring (PM2.5 levels) at hospitality venues in Mumbai, in collaboration with Campaign For Tobacco Free Kids, USA.
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The above-mentioned work is being done as per the norms laid down by:
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Central and State Pollution Control Boards (C.P.C.B., M.P.C.B.) |
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Food and Drug Administration, Maharashtra (F.D.A.) |
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Indian Standards Institution (I.S.I.) |
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World Health Organization (WHO) |
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United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) and |
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To meet any special requirement. |
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Our Institution is a unique establishment where experts in the fields of Environment, Public Health, Medicine and Epidemiology come under one roof.
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