Toxic Lead Found in 11 Common Vegetables: Damages Liver, Kidneys, Brain

• Researchers from Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, found toxic lead and other heavy metals/pesticides in 11 common vegetables.
• A CPCB report to NGT confirmed contamination in samples tested by an FSSAI-accredited lab, revealing 11 heavy metals and 230 pesticides.
• Eggplant, gourd, beans, beetroot, cabbage, capsicum, green chili, cucumber, squash, spinach, and red amaranth are among the contaminated vegetables, with eggplant having dangerously high lead levels.
• Lead enters vegetables through industrial waste water, vehicle exhaust, and low-quality phosphate fertilizers/pesticides.
• Accumulated lead in the body can damage liver, kidneys, and brain, increase heart disease risk, and cause anemia. Soaking vegetables in salt/vinegar water for 20-30 minutes is recommended to reduce lead.