Indian Spices Ban In Singapore And Hong Kong MDH And Everest Masala Ethylene Oxide Cancer Causing Chemicals

Washington: Questions have been raised on the quality of India’s spices. Certain varieties of MDH and Everest spices have been banned in Singapore and Hong Kong due to quality concerns. The Ministry of Commerce has directed the Indian embassies in Singapore and Hong Kong to send a detailed report on the reasons for the ban. Food safety regulators in Singapore and Hong Kong have alleged that MDH and Everest’s four spice products contain pesticide ‘ethylene oxide’ above acceptable limits. Let’s understand what is ethylene oxide and how big a danger it is. Ethylene oxide is a chemical used in many industries. It is a cancer-causing chemical that can increase the risk of breast cancer. It can also damage DNA, brain and nervous system in humans. Ethylene oxide is a flammable colorless gas with a sweet odor at room temperature. It is used in making other chemicals. It also acts as a disinfectant and sterilizing agent.

How dangerous is ethylene oxide?

According to information written on the website of the US National Cancer Institute, ethylene oxide’s ability to damage DNA makes it an effective sterilizing agent, but it is also responsible for causing cancer. Ethylene oxide can enter the human body through inhalation. Generally, people working in related businesses, consumers of products can be exposed to environmental hazards. Ethylene oxide is highly explosive and reactive, because its commercial use is tightly closed or automatic. This reduces the business risk. However, despite these precautions, people living in the vicinity of industrial emissions may come into contact with these workers.

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• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consider ethylene oxide to be carcinogenic to humans. According to the EPA, short-term exposure to this chemical can affect the human nervous system. This can lead to depression or irritation in the eyes. Prolonged contact with it can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs. Brain and nervous system may be damaged.
• The EPA says that some evidence shows that inhalation exposure to ethylene oxide may increase the risk of miscarriage in female workers.
• According to the EPA report, reproductive effects of this gas have been observed in animals, including a decrease in the concentration of their sperm.
• According to the US National Cancer Institute, ethylene oxide can cause lymphoma and leukemia. Apart from this it can cause stomach and breast cancer.