Comcom Magazine

An Interview with

Dr. P K Ray
Immunotoxicologist Director, Bose Institute, Calcutta
ComCom :What kinds of research activities are undertaken at the Bose Institute?

PKR: Bose institute is carrying out research studies ranging from immunotoxicological studies to studies for developing technologies to suit the requirements of individual industries for the treatment of toxic chemicals and wastes. Scientists at this institute have been studying allergies and its effects on human being. There are various sources for this allergy forming pollen grains in different parts of the country and we are at present trying to map these sources. Apart from this scientists are also studying the ecological aspects of environment, particularly in the Sundarban areas. The study is focusing on how different types of environmental pollutants taking a toll on the famous Sundarathi and other type of geological species and plant systems in these areas.
Com Com: What is your area of specialization?

PKR : Well.I have been doing research to find out the extent of body's immune system, which is considered to give protection against bacteria, fungus and virus infections. We have found that the immune system gives protection not only against these biological materials but also against different kinds of chemical toxicants such as pesticides, heavy metals, drugs and even carcinogens.
It has been discovered that the stress resistant system within the body is capable to protect the body from various kinds of chemical stress, environmental stress such as noise pollution toxic emissions from vehicles and high and low temperatures and even radiation exposure and micro-gravity conditions. These systems can be inhibited, blocked and depressed as a result of over exposure to different forms of chemicals beyond the threshold limit. This could lead to various disease conditions.
My theory is that if a small amount of some inducer is given to the body of the host, it will alert the entire host resistance mechanism and then body will tolerate more of the same toxicant or other toxicants as well. This would be useful to treat diseases originated from environmental pollution.

Com Com: How Important is immunotoxicological research in Indian context?

PKR : It is all the more important today because of two reasons. One the environmental standards in the country are degrading at an alarming rate. Human beings (and also all other life forms including plants and animals) are exposed to all kinds of chemicals and pollutants. Their impact on our health has to be carefully studied. Studies related to the immune systems have become very important after the emergence of AIDS.

Preventive toxicology needs to be developed in our country. We should analyse how to prevent toxicological manifestations either in treatment given to the patients or even to take preventive measures so that the people need not be exposed to them anymore. Environmental pollutants are silent killers; they do not kill over night. Exposure to even a very small pollutant for a long period can build up and eventually can cause harm in our body.

Com Com: What is lacking in environmental research in India?

PKR : Environmental engineering should focus on indigenous technologies that can cut down pollution. But in this area we yet to go a long way. There are many environmental regulations in our country but few of them are implemented strictly. This is another thing to be taken care of.

Com Com: Is it because of poor environmental awareness among industries?

PKR : Partially yes. But after the Bhopal disaster in 1984. The awareness has increased significantly. Later in 1986 parliament has enacted the environmental law. Pollution can not be controlled simply by government laws and regulations. People should be made aware of the impact and the action plan should be emerged from the grass root levels.

Com Com: What Bose institute does in this area?

PKR : Since 1992, we have been conducting research on polluting industries. We are now developing technology to suite the requirements of individual industries for the treatment of waste and toxic chemicals.

Com Com: How serious pesticide toxicity probe in India?

PKR : The Central Insecticide Board had set up by the Banerjee Committee to identify the most dangerous pesticides in India. The committee has found that there are many pesticides, which have been banned by other nations, are being introduced and used in our country. This is a very serious problem.

We have to bring down the use of DDT and HCH in our agriculture sector. Though it has been banned long before they are still in use. Studies have shown alarmingly higher levels of these toxic chemicals in vegetables and even in mother's milk.

Environmental degradation is gradually effecting our every day life. Urban centers are highly polluted. In the coming years, India would definitely have to spent more money and manpower to control the toxicological aspects of environmental pollution.