Health hazard: Vegetables growing in contaminated water

The secretary general of PMA, Prof. Mirza Ali Azhar, said that sewerage is less harmful than industrial waste.

KARACHI:

Growing vegetables from sewerage and industrial effluent continues in Malir and other rural areas. Despite meager attempts by the authorities to stop the practice no concrete action being taken to stop it.

The secretary general of Pakistan Medical Association, Prof. Mirza Ali Azhar, said that sewerage is less harmful than industrial waste. Different chemicals which are used in industries cause diarrhea and other stomach-related diseases. Azhar said that if toxic substances mix with the blood then it might even damage brain cells.

Sindh Minister for Environment Sheikh Muhammad Afzal issued a statement which said that 25 per cent to 30 per cent vegetables were grown from industrial effluent or sewerage water were being openly sold in market.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2012.