A new study has found that the mass baldness cases in Buldhana, Maharashtra, might be linked to high levels of selenium in wheat distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS). The study, led by Dr. Himmatrao Bawaskar, also found the wheat lacked enough zinc. The wheat in the affected area had 600 times more selenium than the local wheat. 

This high selenium is believed to be the cause of baldness, which develops quickly, with people losing all their hair within three to four days. Tests at a lab in Thane showed that the selenium level in the wheat was 14.52 mg/kg, much higher than the normal level of 1.9 mg/kg.

Dr. Bawaskar also said that the wheat causing the problem was brought from Punjab. Tests on blood, urine, and hair showed very high levels of selenium which is 35 times more in blood, 60 times more in urine, and 150 times more in hair. This suggests that too much selenium is causing the hair loss. The study also showed that the affected people had very low zinc levels, which could be due to the excess selenium.

About 300 people from 18 villages have been affected, with many of them being young students and girls. Dr. Bawaskar mentioned that people aged 8 to 72 are losing their hair, and it has caused social issues, such as children not attending school, delays in marriages, and stigma. He visited the area to help and investigate as part of his social work.

Although he has the findings, Dr. Bawaskar has not yet submitted the report to the authorities. Meanwhile, scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) tested water and soil in the area and confirmed high selenium levels in the blood of those who lost their hair. ICMR has sent its report to the central government, but the results have not been shared with the public yet.

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