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Lethal lactation

A study carried out by scientists of the Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University says a high rate of pesticide residue in the milk of lactating mothers in the Krishna delta region of the state is exposing infants to leihal food contamination.

Researchers have found that the percentage of pesticide residue in the milk of mothers in Guntur and Krishna districts is the second highest in the world, next only to Gulatemala. The residue data indicated that samples of mothers' milk collected from 4 hospitals in the 'stiqte showed gamaxene contamination in all specimens, while 63 per cent tested positive for DDT and 43 per cent for aldrin.