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Chemists expresses worry over misuse of chemicals for terrorism

Chemists expresses worry over misuse of chemicals for terrorism

By Mustapha Sumaila
Chemicals
Abuja, Nov 7, 2018 (NAN) The Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON) on Wednesday expressed concern on misuse of chemicals as instruments of terror to perpetuate evil in the country.

Mr Jwalshik Wilford, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the institute, said this at a workshop, membership induction and investiture in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ICCON is a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Health established by ICCON act of 2004.

It is charged with the responsibility of regulating the teaching, learning and standards best practice of the chemistry profession in the country.

Wilford however noted that it was sad that chemicals which were meant to be substances of immense benefit had become instruments of terror and wanton bloodshed in the country and across the globe.

He said that it was a sad reality that the dearth of adequate chemical education had contributed immensely to the wave of “chemical terrorism” that had pervaded the country in recent time especially the North-East.

He charged chemists to play their roles in bringing the much needed chemical knowledge to bear on a largely chemical ignorant society.

“It is our desire and hope that this workshop will not only help in addressing what is obviously an issue of urgent national and global concern, but will draw attention to the neglected role chemists can play in tackling societal challenges.

“From industries, to agriculture to medicines, we rely on chemicals to improve our lives but also those chemicals have the potential to cause tremendous harm to us and the environment.

“Poor chemical security is a threat globally and we are committed to helping chemists and other related professionals improve their abilities to safely and responsibly handle chemicals to reduce their potential negative impacts,” he said.

The registrar disclosed that the institute would soon carry out a National Chemical Personnel Audit to entrench professionalism and standards.

NAN also reports that 42 members were conferred with fellowship award while Dr Abubakar Jimoh, Director, Public Communication Affairs of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) bagged honorary fellowship award of the institute. (NAN)
MS/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Artificial ripening of fruits causes cancer, liver, kidney diseases – Experts

Artificial ripening of fruits causes cancer, liver, kidney diseases – Experts
Fruits
Lafia, Sept. 18, 2018 (NAN) Medical and health experts have warned Nigerians against using chemicals to ripen fruits, saying substances like carbide are responsible for the rising cases of liver, kidney and cancer in the country.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in some North Central states of the country, the experts called for stiff penalties for those indulging in the practice so as to curtail it.
Dr Ibrahim Adamu, Director, Public Health, Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, told NAN that chemicals used to ripen fruits could affect the liver and kidney.
“The chemicals could also cause cancer because the entire ripening process is usually unwholesome,’’ Adamu said.
The expert regretted that most people indulging in the act were ignorant of the consequences and needed to be educated on the dangers of their action.
Adamu, who identified carbide as the chemical commonly used to ripen mangoes and bananas artificially, said that the trend was responsible for the rising cases of kidney and liver diseases.
The official said that the ministry, in line with the directive of the Federal Government, had embarked on sensitisation programmes to alert people on the dangers posed by such practice.
“We are now trying to meet with the fruit sellers in order to educate them because some of them may not know the dangers of their actions.
“We also intend to engage security agencies after sensitising the communities and cautioning the fruits sellers on the dangers of their actions in order to stem the tide,” Adamu said.
He said that the ministry was already collaborating with the state House of Assembly to enact laws for effective prosecution of those found to be engaged in such unwholesome practices.
Some fruit sellers in Lafia, who spoke with NAN, confirmed that the practice of using carbide to ripen fruits was common in most urban settlements.
Some of them attributed the practice to the quest for quick turn over, adding that some of the culprits are not aware of the health implication of their actions.
“Most of the artificial ripening agents are used on bananas, mangoes and oranges,’’ a woman fruit seller, who refused to reveal her name, told NAN.
According to her: “If you see banana spotting a green stem under yellowish body that has tiny black spots, carbide has been used on it.
“Normally, the stem falls off easily, but a lot of people do not know this.”
But, while fruit sellers in Nasarawa admit the evil practice, their counterparts in Plateau have claimed that the trend was not common in the hilly state.
Some of them, who spoke with NAN in Jos, Mangu and Pankshin, claimed that they had never applied chemicals on the fruits they sell because they were enlightened and aware of the health implications.
“We hardly force fruits to ripe in Plateau because we source all of them around our houses.
“What a lot of us do is to pluck the fruits from trees likes guava, water melon and mangoes; in most cases, they are almost ripe. All we do is to continue the natural ripening process at home because when they get ripe on top of the trees, they fall off from the trees and rot,’’ Madam Theresa Abah, a fruit seller at Hwolshe, told NAN.
Malam Adamu Isa, who sells plantain at Zarmaganda Junction in Jos South Local Government Area, said that the product was usually transported from Southern states like Oyo, Edo, Bayelsa and Ebonyi.
“It takes three days for the product to arrive Plateau. During this transit period, they get ripe. Where they do not, we cover the consignment in black nylons or keep them in dark rooms to fast-track the ripening process,’’ he said.
But Miss Hapiness Shehu, who described herself as “a lover of fruits’’, said that fruit vendors hardly admit that they apply chemicals to ripen fruits so as not to drive customers away.
She said that fruits like Avocado Pear, when plucked unripe, does not have a good taste, aside the health dangers.
“Usually, it is left for customers to be observant and be careful while deciding where to buy the fruits from.
“Again, consumers of fruits must ensure that the fruits are thoroughly washed before consumption to avoid the health dangers,’’ she advised.
Dr Juliette Ango, a public health expert, said that artificially ripened fruits may contain high acidic content which may be bad for the gastro intestinal system.
“The effects depends on the chemicals used to ripen these fruits; generally, the extra chemicals used for this process serve as carcinogens which is a substance or agent that can cause cancer when it disrupts the Power of Hydrogen(PH) in the body.
“The PH of the body is the measure of hydrogen concentration which is normally 7.35 and 7.45; the body needs to maintain an optimum acid-base balance to ensure that the various processes in the system operate without problems,’’ she said.
Like their Plateau counterparts, many fruit sellers in Kogi have claimed ignorance of artificial ripening processes.
Some of them, who spoke with NAN, said that they were not aware of any chemical used to ripen fruits.
Malam Abubakar Umar, a fruit seller at the old market, Lokoja, told NAN that he was not aware if some fruit sellers were using any chemical to ripen their fruits.
“I usually buy and transport my fruits, especially oranges, in sacks from the north and bring them fresh, to Lokoja for sale to retailers and consumers.
“We only wash them to remove dirt and make them appear clean.
“We try to buy fruits that are close to getting ripe putting into consideration the period of transportation. Most of the time, the fruits become ripe by the time we reach Lokoja,’’ he said.
Umar said that he had never seen a fruits seller using any chemical to ripen fruits in the old Lokoja market.
On her part, Mrs Rafiat Babatunde, who sells banana and plantain, told NAN that her products did not need any ripening chemical.
“I prefer to sell bananas and plantains that are not ripe.
“When banana becomes ripe, one must sell it immediately or risk massive loss. So, there is no need using any chemical in the first place,’’ she said.
Mrs Hellen Eleojo, a consumer, told NAN that she had only seen a video footage on social media where a purported fruits seller was dipping unripe oranges into a chemical to make them ripe.
“It is not supposed to be because it will definitely have adverse effects on human health. I think the government and the relevant stakeholders need to take drastic step to address the issue,” Eleojo said.
Mr Sunday Amos, a nutritionist, said that calcium carbide used to support fruit ripening, releases acetylene when mixed with water.
“The acetylene is used for welding; unfortunately, it is the same substance that is used to support fruit ripening,’’ he said.
According to him, the natural air people breath also contains acetylene but the concentration is lower and could be tolerated by the body.
“But when you ripen fruits artificially with calcium carbide, one cannot control that high amount of acetylene that goes into the fruit.
“The effect of eating fruits ripened with calcium carbide can be immediate. It can cause acute reactions in the short-term like headache, vomiting, stomach disorders and allergic reactions, among others.
“In the long term, it could lead to heart failure, skin diseases. But the greatest threat is that it is carcinogenic and causes cancer,’’ he warned.
Dr Salim Aziz, a consultant Nephrologist, said that aside acetylene, calcium carbide had some other impurities that were harmful to health.
“Calcium carbide is a known carcinogen, a cancer-producing chemical. Irrespective of what quantity you may consume, the chemical is known to have harmful effects on the liver and other parts of the body.
“It also contains traces of arsenic and phosphorus hydride which produces several acute and chronic health effects,” Aziz said
According to him, the early symptoms of arsenic or phosphorus poisoning include vomiting, burning sensation in the chest and abdomen, diarrhoea, thirst and weakness.
Others include difficulty in swallowing, irritation or burning of the eyes and skin, permanent eye damage, ulcers on the skin, irritation in the mouth, nose and throat.
Throat sores, cough, wheezing and shortness of breath may also occur soon after exposure to the chemical, he said, adding that higher exposure may cause a build-up of fluids in the lungs.
“Eating artificially ripened mangoes causes stomach upset because the alkaline substance is an irritant that erodes the mucosal tissue in the stomach and disrupts intestinal function.
“A prolonged exposure to the chemical could lead to peptic ulcer,” Aziz added.
Meanwhile, fruits dealers/sellers in Makurdi, the Benue capital, have also claimed that they do not indulge in artificial ripening of fruits.

Some of them, who spoke with NAN, said that they were aware of its health hazards and would not indulge in it.

Mrs Mbazendan Akwati, a fruit seller, who deals in oranges said oranges, said that she had never ripened her fruits through artificial processes.

“We have enough oranges in the state and cannot use artificial ripening processes on them; they are allowed to ripe naturally.

“’Some of the Benue oranges produce all year round; there is no need to fire them to ripe,” she said.

The dealer opined that the process of forcing fruits to ripen could only happen in places where there was shortage.

Mrs Judith Nnaemeka, a banana seller, said that most of her fruits were sourced from Cross Rivers, but could not say whether they were forced to ripen or not.

‘“As a seller, I do not apply any chemical and I do not know any chemical that is used to force fruits to ripen,’’ she said.

Nnaemeka however said that the price of banana was not determined by the ripening process.
“’The price is determined by the quality and quantity of the bunch. It is a matter of size. Ripening process is not an issue,’’ she explained.

A consumer, Mr Iorliam Ade, told NAN that he was aware that some mangoes go through some artificial ripening process.

‘“I know that some sellers pour hot water on the mangoes, cover them and allow them to stay for some days.

“I am not so sure that they use chemicals. I only know about hot water. But I will be surprised if they use chemicals,’’ he said. (NAN)
Reporters/ETS/MST
Edited by Ephraims Sheyin/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

N/East fruit dealers use chemicals – NAN check

N/East fruit dealers use chemicals – NAN check
Fruits
Bauchi, Sept. 9, 2018 (NAN) Most fruit farmers and traders in some states of North East region apply artificial method of ripening their fruits to the detriment of health concerns.

A survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Yobe and neighbouring Jigawa States confirmed frequent use of calcium carbide, a chemical that is dangerous to human health.

However, whereas authorities in some of the states said they were aware and were taking measures to check the unwholesome practice, others said they were unaware and would investigate.

In Bauchi, the state government said it would set up a committee that would check the practice.

Malam Yakubu Kirfi, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, told NAN that government viewed the practice seriously and was poised to take decisive measures.

“The committee will comprise relevant agencies such as SON, NAFDAC, Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Environment, security agencies and associations, among others, who are to ensure compliance,” he said.

He said the attention of government had been drawn to the practice of using calcium carbide in ripening fruits meant for sale to the public, which is hazardous to health.

He said that there must be a proper plan of action to check food adulteration and artificial ripening of fruits because of the long-time damage effects on human health.

Mr Salisu Gado, a dietician in Bauchi and public health commentator, said most fruit sellers used chemicals like calcium carbide in ripening same.

According to him, the chemical is extremely hazardous to the human body as it contains traces of arsenic and phosphorus.

“We are at a greater risk of short-term, as well as long-term health hazards by eating fruits that are artificially ripened,” he warned.

Mrs Rebecca Dogo, a restaurant owner in Bauchi, also said artificial ripening of fruits had become the vogue just to achieve faster and more uniform ripening of fruits at the expense of nutritional values.

According to her, the difference between natural and artificial ripening of fruits, are very clear.

“In nature, fruits ripen after attainment of proper maturity by a sequence of complex physical and biochemical events.

“Natural ripening is therefore a physiological process which makes the fruit edible, palatable and nutritious.

“Artificial or forceful ripening of fruits, on the other hand, is the use of ripening agents to induce maturity by merely changing the colour of the fruits,” she analysed.

Dogo lamented that those doing the business hid it from the public and consumers as most people could not distinguish between the two processes.

“Even the vendors that sale in the streets do not know the difference as they just run errands for the dealers,” Dogo said.

Alhaji Nasiru Muhammed, the Chairman of Nigerian Fruit Sellers Association, Adamawa branch, confirmed that members of his association were using carbide chemical to ripen fruits, especially bananas.

He said that most of the banana been transported to the state, were unripe, and that due to high demand, sellers could not wait for the minimum of five days required for the fruit to ripe naturally.

“This practice has been in place for the past 30 years,” he revealed.

He said they were not aware of any health implication of their deeds, adding that no health or environmental workers ever visited or sensitised them about the dangers of using the chemical.

Dr Isaac Kadala, a staff of Public Health Department, Adamawa Ministry of Health, said they were aware of the practice but added that no formal complaints from consumers or any other quarters were lodged with them.

Mr Muhammed Ibrahim, Director, Waste Management and Pollution Control, state Ministry of Environment, said he was unaware of the development, promising to take measures.

“We are going to find out about the development and government will surely take decisive action,” he assured.

Dr Bala Saidu, the Chief Medical Director, Yola Specialist Hospital, Jimeta, said the facility had not received any case of complication as a result of consumption of fruit ripened using carbide, but described the chemical as dangerous.

“Carbide is a binary compound of carbon with a more electro-positive element.

“lt is a dangerous chemical, especially if consumed directly as it can kill instantly,” he said.

Dr Joseph Husaini, the Acting Director, Technical Services, Gombe State Agriculture Development Programme (GSADP), said the use of chemicals like carbide to ripen fruits artificially was not advisable because it had negative effects.

Hussaini urged fruits sellers to apply the traditional method of fruits ripening instead of applying chemicals.

He said the traditional method of fruits ripening implies covering the fruits with polyethylene bag for at least one week to enable them mature gradually.

“You do not need to apply any harmful substance capable of causing damage to human system; the fruits themselves can ripe when they attain maturity period,’’ he said.

Dr Kennedy Ishaya, the Gombe state Commissioner for Health, said the ministry had established a directorate saddled with the responsibility of finding out the type of preservative used in ripening fruits.

He said artificial ripening of fruits with carbide had a damaging effect on human eyes, as well as respiratory system.

The Coordinator of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Jigawa, Alhaji Abdulsalam Lawal, said the use of calcium carbide for ripening of fruits could cause mental confusion, loss of memory, dizziness, cancer, vomiting and sleepiness, among others.

He advised members of the general public to be mindful of the type of fruits they buy from fruit sellers in the market.

In Yobe, however, fruit sellers said the practice of artificial ripening of fruits especially through the use of harmful chemical was not common.

Malam Ali Mai-Gwari, Chairman Fruits Sellers, Family Support Hospital branch, Damaturu, said they had been monitoring themselves to ensure that none of the members indulged in the practice.

“We learnt that some fruits dealers outside the state capital use some substance to hasten the ripening of the fruits, but not inside Damaturu,” he said.

Mr Danchuwa Alhaji, the Deputy Director Public Health, Yobe Ministry of Health, said the ministry had not received any complaint on the use of chemicals or other substances to ripen fruits.

He pleaded with the public to assist the ministry with useful information to apprehend any one or group indulging in such or other acts that had grave health implications to the public. (NAN)
Reporters/ASH/MST
Edited by Abdullahi Salihu/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Gaidam wants NAFDAC to curb use of chemicals in preserving harvests

Gaidam wants NAFDAC to curb use of chemicals in preserving harvests

NAN-H-3

Chemicals

Damaturu, May 16, 2017 (NAN) Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe on Tuesday urged the National Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to curb the use of dangerous chemicals as preservatives for harvests.

Gaidam made the call in Damaturu when Ms Yetunde Oni, Acting Director-General of NAFDAC, paid him a working visit.

The governor said the usage of dangerous chemicals to preserve crops constitutes threat to health hazards of the people of the state.

He expressed the readiness of his administration to partner with NAFDAC to check the proliferation of sub-standard and adulterated drugs in the state.

The acting director-general had earlier said NAFDAC would establish offices in the other two senatorial districts to regulate the sale and usage of chemicals and food across the state.

Oni said NAFDAC was organising a sensitisation campaign to enlighten the populace to contribute to the fight against fake and sub-standard drugs in the state.

“We are launching the sensitisation programme to give the people a sense of belonging and ownership of the fight against fake and sub-standard food and drugs in the state,” she said. (NAN)

MM/FLP/MST

Edited by Folorunsho Poroye/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Environment

Hazardous chemicals: UNIDO serves FG with elimination plan

Hazardous chemicals: UNIDO serves FG with elimination plan

NAN-H-24

By Isaac Aregbesola

Abuja, Feb. 23, 2017 (NAN) The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) has submitted the Reviewed and Updated National Implementation Plan (NIP) for the Stockholm Convention on the elimination of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) to the Federal Government.

A statement by UNIDO on Friday in Abuja said that the UN Deputy Secretary General designate and outgoing Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, received the document on behalf of the Federal Government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Stockholm Convention is an international Treaty developed to protect human health and the environment from Persistent Organic Pollutants.

The treaty was adopted in 2001, but came into force in 2004, which Nigeria ratified the same year thereby becoming a member of the Conference of Parties.

It aimed at eliminating or restricting the production and use of all POPs, transition to safer alternatives and cleaning up old stockpiles, among others.

Speaking during presentation of the NIP in Abuja, the UN Deputy Secretary General commended UNIDO for working together with Global Environmental Environment Facility (GEF) and other stakeholders to produce the NIP.

Amina noted that the Plan would enable Nigeria access international technical support and meet her obligations under the obligation, while integrating POPs management into the country’s national development plans.

The outgoing minister of environment said: “I am most delighted and appreciative of UNIDO’s continuous support and for a job well done.

“The Updated NIP being unveiled today is a product of inclusive stakeholders’ participation and serves as the renegotiated and reinforced National Policy Framework for addressing priority POP issues in Nigeria, in line with her obligations under the treaty.

“With the Reviewed and Updated NIP, Nigeria will now focus on short, medium and long term strategies for developing programmes and partnerships on POPs management aimed at safeguarding human health and the environment.”

The Representative of UNIDO Regional Office, Nigeria, Dr Chuma Ezedinma, commended the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Environment for working with UNIDO to ensure the success of the Plan for Nigeria.

Ezedinma said the presentation of the Updated and Reviewed NIP to the federal government marked another milestone in the history of Nigeria-UNIDO collaboration for building a sustainable environment for its people, industries and the global community.

He said UNIDO would continue to support the federal government and the ministry of environment in particular to promote sustainable activities for our environment as we match towards inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

“UNIDO is currently in partnership with 48 countries, assisting them in Reviewing and Updating their NIP, developing and implementing projects.

“We are working with the Federal Ministry of Environment in the areas of protecting the ozone layer, Minamata Convention on Mercury, national policy development and dialogue, development of bio-pesticides.

“This is a response to the EU ban on some food exportation, water stewardship and management, mining, resource efficiency and cleaner production and other areas of environmental sustainability and development.”

He said as a party to the Stockholm Convention, it is an obligation for the country to develop Enabling Activities of NIPs for enablement to identify and develop structures for implementation of programmes towards driving the convention requirements.

According to him, in April 2009, with UNIDO’s assistance, Nigeria submitted its NIP to the Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention.

“In 2014, UNIDO again began collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment to review and update Nigeria’s National Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention.

“Nigeria finalised her first NIP in 2009, with support from GEF and UNIDO.

“This led the groundwork for developing and implementing priority projects, regulatory reforms and other initiatives targeted at achieving a POPs-free environment.

“POPs are a group of hazardous chemicals of global concern with wide occurrences as industrial raw materials in consumer goods, waste electrical electronic equipment (WEEE), pesticides or unintentional emissions,” he said.

He said that long range dispersion of POPs constituted a great threat to human and environmental sustainability, irrespective of international borders, national sovereignty, gender or social class.

Ezedinma said documented burdens of human exposures to POPs included cancer, congenital defects, dysfunction of immune and reproductive systems and shortened lactation in nursing mothers, among other hazards. (NAN)

IAA/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola