THIS is apropos the report (Aug 19) by a research worker of the Federal Urdu University. There is no doubt about this gigantic study done in Karachi. I congratulate the whole team, along with world-famous supervisor Prof Dr Kauser Yasmeen.

According to this study, the maximum level of lead and cadmium are present in the skin and heart. Fortunately our people do not like to eat skin and heart of the fish, along with gills. On the other hand, the concentration of this poisonous metal has a tendency to accumulate in our body for a long time, but the concentration in meat or muscles of fish is very low as highlighted in this study.

There is no doubt that concentration of this poisonous metal in our coastal sea area is very high but in the open sea it conforms to to the international level. Hence, a small fish caught by a fisherman is dangerous as against a big one.

Chronic lead poisoning produces agitation, lethargy and loss of temper as is visible in our people.

PROF (Dr) GHULAM ALI Jinnh Sindh Medical University
Karachi