Kerala: Curb on bottled water splits doctors

Commission acting chairman P. Mohanadas has asked health secretary and food safety commission to submit a report within one month.

KOCHI: The recent order of the State Human Rights Commission against transporting packaged drinking water in open vehicles under the scorching sun has created widespread discussions on the topic and the medical fraternity in the state remains divided in its approach to the issue. While a section of oncologists welcomed the move, another group observed that such orders would create unnecessary panic. Based on a complaint submitted by a doctor, the Rights Panel banned carrying water in plastic cans and bottles in open vehicles during summer citing “serious health hazards”.

Commission acting chairman P. Mohanadas has asked health secretary and food safety commission to submit a report within one month. The Commission observed that though bottles were safe, it would be subjected to chemical changes when it became hot. It would release toxic substances which made packaged water unsafe, according to the Commission. However, questioning the decision’s scientific base, Dr. Narayanankutty Warrier, senior consultant, head of the oncology department, MIMS Hospital, Kozhikode said that extensive research and studies were needed to prove that hot plastic bottles of food grade quality, would release carcinogenic substances. “Similar to the controversy on mobile tower radiation, this also will create panic among people, especially those who consume packaged water every day,” he said.

Meanwhile, a few other medical experts observed that though scientifically not proven, such orders would help lessen the risks if any. “Though the disease is caused by multiple factors, every risk element even if it is less than point one per cent, should be avoided as a comprehensive clinical trial to prove the correlation is not feasible in the state,” said Dr. Arun R. Warrier, consultant, medical oncology at Aster Medcity, Kochi. Earlier, the health department authorities had issued a warning against drinking water from plastic bottles kept in vehicles parked under the sun for a long time.