Camel milk found to contain high concentrations of dangerous chemicals

Two IPEN Participating Organizations - Arnika (Czech Republic) and EcoMuseum (Kazakhstan), together with local NGO Eco Mangystau - released a new report about POPs and heavy metals in camel milk samples from the Mangystau Region, which is found by the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan. High levels of PCBs and zinc, and relatively increased levels of PAU, were found by analyses done in Czech laboratories.

Press release: Camel milk from Mangystau contains high concentrations of dangerous chemicals

Shubat is a favourite part of the daily diet for many in Kazakhstan. A lot has been said about its miraculous effects on human health. However, in a new study, Kazakhstani and Czech experts reveal that the food we consider fresh and natural can, in fact, be dangerous. Analysis of samples taken in Mangystau shows that camel milk often contains alarmingly high concentrations of toxic substances that can cause cancer or damage reproduction. The contamination comes from industrial sources – old capacitors, abandoned production sites or mines - and also from freely accessible waste dumping sites and hazardous waste water reservoirs. Experts call on the state authorities to take immediate actions, urge farmers to prevent their animals from entering polluted areas, and advise consumers to choose their food carefully.

Download the full report in English and Russian. 

A brief overview about technologies for PCBs destruction can also be found in English and Russian.