2024-25 SWAP participant Riya Bhatia reflects on her experience helping Dr. Jenna Forsyth develop materials addressing misperceptions about how lead can be detected in turmeric. Lead poisoning from adulterated turmeric is a common but under-recognized problem in many parts of India, and Riya’s work supported Dr. Forysth’s ongoing efforts to address this health challenge.
By Riya Bhatia, Stanford Student, Earth Systems Program
Lead adulterated turmeric has been a major problem in India, contributing to irreversible IQ loss and severe health issues across the country. My project focused on addressing at-home tests for detection of lead chromate adulteration of turmeric. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has released videos claiming that you can detect lead chromate in turmeric using water and acid. However, after investigating these tests and comparing the results to those of an X-Ray fluorescence test, we found that they are unreliable. Originally, we considered sharing these findings through a video. Then, after meeting with stakeholders, we pivoted to an information-rich fact sheet as this would allow government authorities and turmeric buyers to more thoroughly understand why these tests don’t work and learn about alternatives/suggestions for more accurate detection of lead adulterated turmeric.
My final output includes images of the experiments we ran that illustrate the unreliability of the tests. The images are accompanied by a thorough written explanation of what each test claims and why it does not work. In addition, the fact sheet provides background on the general problem of lead in India and the home tests; it also has a section focused on reliable ways to detect lead chromate. The goal of this section was to ensure that we didn’t simply highlight the problem, but gave suggestions for the government of India to address the problem such as investing in the research and development of rapid at-home tests and expanding training programs for both XRF screening and visual detection.
SWAP not only deepened my passion for planetary health but also helped me see the vital role science communication plays in this field. Working on a project that translates research into tangible impact was an incredible experience. I loved being part of a cohort of students equally excited about exploring and communicating the connections between health and the environment. I’m excited to continue working with my mentor beyond SWAP and to keep building my skills in both the science and communication spaces. Meeting and learning from leaders in science communication also inspired me to pursue a Notation in Science Communication. I’m confident that in my future career (hopefully in planetary health) I will draw on the presentation, knowledge translation, collaboration, and communication skills I gained from SWAP.