GAEC acquires multipurpose device to enhance research into carcinogenic foods
Residues resulting from pesticide application by farmers have proven to have long term effects, including cancer on consumers.
In Ghana, a lingering gap exists in research because there is no device to aid detection and analysis.
But the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission is now stepping up study of key food contaminants after taking delivery of a multipurpose scientific device used for detecting and analyzing organochlorines in breast milk, fruits and vegetables.
The method of pest control in agriculture has given boost to the wide use of pesticides by farmers. These pesticides are composed of organochlorines.
Organochlorines are organic compounds that contain multiple chlorine atoms proven by scientists to be carcinogenic.
When applied on crops as a pest control measure leaves residues on vegetables and fruits which becomes harmful when consumed. Research shows that traces of the residues which eventually cause breast cancer are found in breast milk.
However, in Ghana, equipment for prompt checking of the residue content in food stuff sold on the market has long ceased to exist, thereby impeding fluid research works at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.
One researcher at the Commission explained that “when consumed, the organochlorine residues get themselves attached to the body fats resulting in reactions. This reaction creates sore which turns into cancer.”
He, however, expressed concerned about people consuming foods bought from the market without washing it with salt solution or vinegar.
The equipment supplied to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission by the National Petroleum Authority will also aid research in the fishery, mining and petrochemical industries as the device has the capability to detect all contaminants in a given situation.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, NPA Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid told 3news.com in an interview after handing over the device to the management of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, that the gesture is very important.
He said “the equipment will go a long way to detect pollutants that cause cancer in our environment and so when GAEC approached NPA with the request, we obliged”.
Director General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Samuel Boakye Dampare emphasized the need for a sound research outcome for policy formulation and implementation.
He said “in development planning, sound research is required to give good result to inform improved policies and actions.”
“Now that we have this equipment, we will have something to work with. The overarching goal is to improve public health in the country,” the Director General further remarked.
Meanwhile, Researchers at GAEC want food vendors to subject samples of their foods for test of pesticide residues to guarantee public health.
