Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barkatuhu.
Dear friends,
I hope you are all well with the infinite mercy of Allah Almighty. I am also well and healthy by accepting your prayers and the infinite mercy of Allah Almighty.
Formalin-containing foods have caused us a lot of harm.
One of the biggest threats to public health today is formalin-containing foods. Some unscrupulous traders in the market use artificial chemicals to make food look fresh for a long time. The most dangerous of these is formalin or formaldehyde. This substance is mainly used for preserving dead bodies; which is chemically very toxic and is very harmful to the human body. When that formalin is mixed with fish, fruits, vegetables or other foods, it enters the human body like a silent killer and causes various complex diseases.
This article discusses in detail what formalin is, why it is used, what kind of harm it causes to the human body if it is present in food, and its impact on society.
What is formalin and why is it used?
Formalin is a solution of formaldehyde gas in water. It is usually sold at a concentration of 37–40%. It is a powerful disinfectant, deodorizer, and preservative. It is used in the medical field to preserve corpses, preserve various samples in labs, and in the industrial field to make paints, plastics, paper, and furniture.
Why do unscrupulous traders use it in food?
To keep fish fresh for a long time
To keep fruits firm and prevent rot
To make vegetables look shiny and fresh
To reduce the risk of spoilage during transportation
Some traders use this toxic chemical because of the convenience of keeping food good for a long time at a low cost.
Formalin-containing foods enter the human body
People usually take formalin into the body through food. Formalin contained in fish, fruits, vegetables, milk, meat—these foods enter the stomach and mix with the blood and gradually start damaging various organs of the body.
Regular consumption of small amounts gradually causes complications in the body, and excessive consumption can cause immediate poisoning.
Short-term (Acute) damage to formalin
The following symptoms may occur after consuming formalin-containing foods in a very short time—
1. Irritation and burning in the throat and mouth
Formalin in food damages the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, resulting in irritation, burning or discomfort.
2. Nausea and vomiting
Formalin irritates the lining of the stomach, which can cause vomiting.
3. Stomach pain and diarrhea
Formalin entering the body causes inflammation in the stomach and can cause severe stomach pain.
4. Dizziness and weakness
Formaldehyde entering the bloodstream affects the nervous system.
5. Breathing difficulties
If formalin vapor enters the airways, it can cause breathing difficulties, coughing, and watery eyes.
Long-term (Chronic) harm of formalin
Eating food containing formalin in small amounts for a long time can cause serious harm—
1. Increased risk of cancer
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified formaldehyde as a Group-1 carcinogen.
That is, it is a proven substance that causes cancer.
In particular—
Throat
Nose
Mouth
Stomach
Respiratory system
The risk of cancer increases many times over.
2. Liver damage
Since the liver filters out toxins from the body, formalin puts serious pressure on the liver—
Liver inflammation
Fatty liver
Cirrhosis
In the long term, the liver can even become useless.
3. Kidney damage
The kidneys cannot break down formaldehyde. As a result, it damages the kidney tubules and tissues. It can cause—
Kidney pain
Burning urine
Kidney failure
4. Nervous system damage
Formalin is very harmful to the central nervous system. Regular consumption can cause—
Memory loss
Lack of attention
Headache
Fatigue
Insomnia
And even long-term neurological diseases.
5. Decreased immunity
Formalin weakens the immune system, making a person susceptible to diseases.
6. Impaired growth in children
Foods containing formalin disrupt the normal growth of the body and brain of children.
In the long term—
Stunting
Low intelligence
Hormonal problems
Can show.
Effects of formalin-containing foods on society and the state
Formalin-containing foods not only harm the individual, but also push the entire society and the state towards illness.
1. Deterioration of public health
More people get sick, the number of people affected by cancer, liver disease, etc. increases. As a result, expenditure on the health sector increases.
2. Decreased performance
A sick population reduces the productivity of the country.
3. Mistrust is created in society
Consumers do not know how safe the fish, fruits, and vegetables in the market are. This makes people panic and anxious.
4. The country's image is tarnished in the international market
If the presence of formalin is detected in exported food, the country's economy faces losses.
What to do against formalin
1. Strict enforcement of laws by the government
Strict punishment for mixing formalin in food
Use of formalin testing equipment in the market
Regular mobile courts
2. Consumer awareness
If in doubt, do not buy fruit or fish
Wash thoroughly in clean water when you get home
Soak in water mixed with salt or vinegar
3. Awareness of farmers and traders
If they understand that it is also harming them in the long run, then the use of formalin will decrease.
4. Introduction of safe food system
Organic farming
Safe food chain
Proper storage system in the market
Conclusion
Formalin-containing food is currently a silent and serious threat to the human body. Traders for a few moments of profit
The poison that is being put in people's mouths is putting the entire nation at risk. Starting from terrible diseases like cancer, this toxic chemical can destroy everything from the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Therefore, strict laws, awareness, ethics, and a safe food system are needed.
Ensuring formalin-free food is the demand of the hour to build a healthy generation and a developed nation.
1094.054 SRY