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Lead pigment in turmeric is the culprit in a global poisoning mystery (2024)

(www.npr.org)
354 points perihelions | 8 comments | 11 Jul 25 15:33 UTC | HN request time: 0.934s | source | bottom
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LarsDu88 ◴[11 Jul 25 17:05 UTC] No.44534573[source]▶
I immediately tested the 5 year old Sadaf tumeric in my kitchen cabinet using a 3M lead testing kit I happened to have in my house. Thankfully it came out negative!
replies(3): >>44534824 #>>44534857 #>>44535101 #
1. ashwinsundar ◴[11 Jul 25 17:49 UTC] No.44535101[source]▶
There is a much easier and reliable way to test it -> https://eatrightindia.gov.in/dart/#:~:text=Test%2014%20%3A%2...
replies(2): >>44536451 #>>44536594 #
2. williamscales ◴[11 Jul 25 20:22 UTC] No.44536451[source]▶
I don't see any method for lead chromate in turmeric powder, unless I'm missing something.
replies(2): >>44536614 #>>44536694 #
3. gitaarik ◴[11 Jul 25 20:41 UTC] No.44536594[source]▶
Yes indeed. Here's also an instruction video for it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXWPf0HQd5U

replies(1): >>44537528 #
4. gitaarik ◴[11 Jul 25 20:43 UTC] No.44536614[source]▶
It's used for coloring, because it makes it apparently gives it the same color as good real tumeric
replies(1): >>44536668 #
5. williamscales ◴[11 Jul 25 20:50 UTC] No.44536668{3}[source]▶
OK, so the method given for artificial coloring on that page. I'm curious if that works for lead chromate. It seems so simple that it must have been tried in this case? Regardless I'll file it away to at least try on stuff to avoid what colors it can detect.
6. thaumasiotes ◴[11 Jul 25 20:52 UTC] No.44536694[source]▶
It's the one below the one ashwinsundar linked, "detection of artificial colour in turmeric powder".

The test is: when you add the powdered turmeric to water, natural turmeric will give the water a "light" yellow color, while adulterated turmeric will give it a "strong" yellow color.

This is not a test that I'd characterize as "easy" or "reliable".

replies(1): >>44537615 #
7. wahnfrieden ◴[11 Jul 25 22:43 UTC] No.44537528[source]▶
> Lead Chromate apparently has an extremely low solubility in water, so how does this work?
8. ◴[11 Jul 25 22:55 UTC] No.44537615{3}[source]▶