A study carried out by Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) scientists has revealed that consumers of street vended fufu and fried rice may be suffering from ailments caused by the presence of camphor in their foods.
The research found dangerous levels of camphor in these foods.
The lead scientist, Dr Gloria Mathanda Ankar-Brewoo of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition said, “naphthalene is also one of the highest poly aromatise that we find in street vended foods.
"Although it’s hydrophobic and doesn’t dissolve easily. It has a lower resolution read, which slowly dissolves after some time."
She recommends a review of policies that govern the use of naphthalene balls in food preparation processes and will also be very helpful if naphthalene balls are taken out of the water and used as pest repellent instead.
According to her, “naphthalene balls affects our eyes, it also makes us get cataracts and as well causes blindness."
Dr Gloria Mathanda Ankar-Brewoo has revealed that naphthalene balls, otherwise known as camphor, causes cataracts.
Naphthalene balls are noted as a great anti-bacterial agent usually placed in water with a mindset of purifying or preserving the water for a longer period of time.
But do you know its usage?
Camphor is used in our homes to ward off insects and keep homes fresh.
Do you also know that at certain levels of exposure, it can cause diseases such as cataracts?
Latest Stories
-
Western Region: NDC youth wing embarks on phase 2 of ‘retail campaign’
15 mins -
Action Chapel International holds annual Impact Convention in November
16 mins -
Jana Foundation urges young women to take up leadership roles
21 mins -
All set for Joy FM Prayer Summit for Peace 2024
32 mins -
Managing Prediabetes with the Help of a Dietitian
51 mins -
Joy FM listeners criticise Achiase Commanding Officer’s election comment
1 hour -
Legal Aid Commission employees threaten strike over poor working conditions
1 hour -
Ghana ranked 7th globally as biggest beneficiary of World Bank funding
1 hour -
IMF board to disburse $360m to Ghana in December after third review
1 hour -
Former Bono Regional NPP organiser donates 13 motorbikes to 12 constituencies
2 hours -
Securities industry: Assets under management estimated at GH¢81.7bn in quarter 3, 2024
2 hours -
Gold Fields Ghana Foundation challenges graduates to maximise benefits of community apprenticeship programme
3 hours -
GBC accuses Deputy Information Minister Sylvester Tetteh of demolishing its bungalow illegally
3 hours -
Boost for education as government commissions 80 projects
4 hours -
NAPO commissions library to honour Atta-Mills’ memory
4 hours