GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT
Location: Baddal village, Jammu and Kashmir
Casualties: 17 deaths reported
Incident Overview
- Residents exhibited symptoms like fever, respiratory distress, and sweating.
- Rapid onset of symptoms raised concerns about environmental contamination.
- Health experts suspect organophosphate poisoning as the probable cause.
About Organophosphates
- Synthetic chemicals developed in the 1850s, initially for medical use.
- Widely adopted for pest control by the 1930s.
- Inhibit cholinesterase enzyme, leading to nervous system overstimulation.
- Effective for pest control but hazardous to humans and animals.
Symptoms of Poisoning
- Mild cases: Headaches, dizziness, nausea.
- Severe cases: Convulsions, respiratory distress, and death.
- Baddal residents showed fever, breathing difficulties, and sweating.
Medical Response
- Atropine, an antidote for organophosphate poisoning, administered successfully to some patients.
- Containment zone established to prevent further exposure.
- Samples collected from water, food, and patients for analysis.
Investigation and Measures
- Health teams from J&K administration and national experts deployed.
- Ongoing efforts to identify contamination sources and protect residents.
Historical Context
- Initially used as nerve agents in warfare.
- Later adapted for agricultural purposes as pesticides.
- Regulatory authorities, including the EPA, monitor their usage.
- Due to health risks, several organophosphates have been restricted or banned globally.
This incident highlights the urgent need for effective pesticide regulation and environmental safety protocols.