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Question

Use of calcium carbide for the artificial ripening of fruits is banned but it is often reported to be illegally used. What is/are the likely health hazards of exposure to this chemical?
1. Permanent damage to the eyes
2. Pulmonary edema
3. Irritation of mouth, throat and nose
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

The correct answer is
1, 2 and 3

Calcium Carbide Health Hazards in Fruit Ripening

Calcium carbide (Ca2) is prohibited for artificial fruit ripening due to serious health concerns associated with its use and the impurities it contains.

Analysis of Potential Health Risks

Exposure to calcium carbide, especially when used illicitly for fruit ripening, can lead to several adverse health effects:

  • Irritation of Mouth, Throat, and Nose: Calcium carbide reacts with moisture to produce acetylene gas. Impurities often found in commercial calcium carbide, such as arsenic and phosphorus, can cause significant irritation to the respiratory tract, including the mouth, throat, and nose.
  • Permanent Damage to Eyes: The toxic impurities present in calcium carbide, particularly arsenic compounds, can lead to severe eye irritation. Prolonged or intense exposure may result in permanent vision impairment or damage.
  • Pulmonary Edema: Inhaling acetylene gas and toxic impurities released from calcium carbide can trigger respiratory distress. Severe exposure can cause symptoms like dizziness and headaches, and potentially lead to pulmonary edema, a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, making breathing difficult and potentially life-threatening.

Conclusion on Hazards

Based on the known toxicological effects, all three potential hazards listed – permanent damage to the eyes, pulmonary edema, and irritation of the mouth, throat, and nose – are likely consequences of exposure to calcium carbide.

Therefore, the correct answer encompasses all three points (1, 2, and 3).

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Important Questions from Chemical Poisoning

  1. Consider the following statements regarding organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDN) : 

    1. It is a rare complication and occurs 2 - 3 weeks after acute exposure. 

    2. It is a feature of poisoning with certain organophosphorus compounds such as triorthocresyl phosphate. 

    3. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase causes motor polyneuropathy with no evidence of sensory loss. 

    4. There is no specific therapy although regular physiotherapy may limit deformity caused by muscle wasting. 

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

  2. The toxic effects of aluminium phosphide is due to the release of:
  3. Which of the following statements is correct regarding Malachite that is used as food adulterant?
  4. Which of the following parts of the human body can be used as a sample/samples for the presence of mercury?

     1. Blood 

    2. Hair 

    3. Nail

     Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  5. Consider the following statements: 

    1. All organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) enter the human bodies through food chain only. 

    2. Some of the OCPs are categorized as Persistent Organic Pollutants. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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