The Hindu Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Tragedy in Tamil Nadu

 GS-2 Mains Exam : Health

Revision Notes

Question : Explain the dangers of methanol contamination in alcoholic beverages. How does methanol poisoning occur, and what are its potential health impacts on the human body?

Incident: At least 38 people died and 82 fell sick after consuming spurious liquor in Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu.

Alcohol in Liquor:

• Content varies: beer (5%), wine (12%), distilled spirits (40%)
• Recreational beverages use ethanol (C2H5OH)
• World Health Organization: No safe level of ethanol consumption

Ethanol Metabolism:

• Liver and stomach break down ethanol into acetaldehyde (acetaldehyde causes hangovers and some health risks)
• Aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes convert acetaldehyde to acetate (relatively harmless)

Spurious Liquor:

• Contains methanol (CH3OH) in addition to ethanol
• Can be homemade or factory-produced
• Used to increase intoxication or volume
• Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations 2018 specify methanol limits:
  • Coconut fenny: Absent
  • Country liquor: 50 grams per 100 liters
  • Pot-distilled spirits: 300 grams per 100 liters

Methanol Poisoning Dangers:

• Methanol is metabolized into formic acid, which is toxic and can cause:
  • Blindness
  • Organ failure
  • Death
• Even small amounts can be fatal

What is Methanol?

• Chemical formula: CH3OH (one carbon, three hydrogen atoms, one hydroxyl group)
• Listed as a hazardous chemical in India (Schedule I, 1989 Rules)
• Quality standard: IS 517
• Production: Combining carbon monoxide and hydrogen (most common method)
• Industrial uses: Precursor to various chemicals, solvent, antifreeze

Methanol Poisoning:

• Lethal Dose: Over 0.1 ml/kg body weight for adults
• Metabolism:
  • Body contains trace amounts of methanol naturally
  • Methanol is metabolized to formaldehyde (ADH enzyme)
  • Formaldehyde is converted to formic acid (ALDH enzyme)
• Dangers of Formic Acid:
  • Metabolic acidosis: Blood becomes acidic (pH drops below 7.35)
  • Disrupts cellular oxygen use (cytochrome oxidase)
  • Methanol-induced optic neuropathy: Potential for blindness
  • Cerebral edema, hemorrhage, death
• Treatment:
  • Pharmaceutical-grade ethanol (competes with methanol for ADH enzymes)
  • Fomepizole (blocks ADH enzyme action, expensive)
  • Dialysis (removes methanol and formic acid from blood)
  • Folinic acid (promotes formic acid breakdown)

Combating Spurious Liquor:

• Strict regulations and inspections
• Public awareness campaigns
• Law enforcement efforts
• Collaboration with industry
• Technology-based monitoring
• International cooperation

 

 

The Hindu Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Sickle Cell Disease in India

 GS-2 Mains Exam : Health

Revision Notes

Question : Discuss the recent advancements in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). What potential does gene therapy hold for curing this genetic disorder, and what challenges remain in its implementation?

Burden of SCD

• Global health challenge, especially in India.
• Affects millions of people in India, particularly tribal populations.
• Second-highest prevalence globally (1 in 86 births).

What is SCD?

• Genetic blood disorder affecting hemoglobin (oxygen carrier in red blood cells).
• Normal RBCs are disc-shaped and flexible, but SCD causes them to become sickle-shaped.
• Sickle cells block blood flow in small vessels, leading to complications.

Complications of SCD

• Increased infections, organ damage, stroke, lung problems.
• Geographic and socioeconomic disparities worsen outcomes.

Treatment and Access

• Recent advancements offer new hope:
  • Multiple medications beyond Hydroxyurea (traditional treatment).
  • Potential for curative gene therapy.
• Universal access to existing treatments is crucial (e.g., Hydroxyurea).
• Collaboration needed between healthcare, government, and pharma to improve access.

Collaboration for Progress

• Focus on screening programs, drug access, and gene therapy research.
• Empowering tribal communities is key:
  • Community engagement
  • Culturally sensitive interventions
  • Capacity building

Research and the Future

• Investment in gene therapy and other emerging treatments.
• Telemedicine, wearables, remote monitoring for better care, especially in remote areas.
• AI/machine learning for predicting complications and personalizing treatment.
• Global collaboration is essential.

Government Initiatives

• National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (2023) aims for eradication by 2047.
  • Raise awareness
  • Universal screening (0-40 year olds) in affected tribal regions
  • Collaborative counseling (central & state governments)

Conclusion

• A multifaceted approach is needed to combat SCD in India:
  • Early diagnosis
  • Scientific innovation
  • Stronger healthcare infrastructure
  • Community empowerment