Neurotoxins

NEWS: On Sunday morning (April 30), 11 people died due to a gas leak in the Giaspura area of Ludhiana, Punjab, while four people fell ill and were hospitalised. Any definitive reasons for the leak are not known so far.

According to the in the air quality sensors used by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, high levels of Hydrogen Sulphide gas, a kind of neurotoxin, have been detected and it is being ascertained how this gas might have led to the incident.

Neurotoxins

• Neurotoxins are poisonous substances which can directly affect the nervous system.
• They directly attack the respiratory tract of the body, thereby overpowering the oxygen concentration of the body and then the nervous system as well.

Neurotoxic Gases

• Methane,
• hydrogen sulphide
• carbon monoxide
• carbon dioxide

Treatment for Hydrogen Sulphide

• To remove gases such as hydrogen sulphide from waste water,
• chemical oxidation is done, where oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide are added to the wastewater.

Prelims Question for Practice

Triclosan” considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following? (UPSC 2022)
a) Food preservative
b) Fruit ripening substances
c) Reused plastic containers
d) Toiletries

Ans. d)

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