Sudden alopecia in Buldhana district was traced to wheat imported from Punjab and Haryana with 600 times higher selenium levels. Affected individuals, mostly young women, suffered hair loss, neurological symptoms, and zinc imbalance. Halting wheat consumption led to partial recovery, highlighting the need for improved quality control and soil management.
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The sudden hair loss cases in Buldhana district, Maharashtra, have been linked to excessive selenium levels in wheat supplied through local ration shops.
The outbreak of acute onset alopecia totalis (sudden complete hair loss) was traced to wheat imported from Punjab and Haryana, which contained 600 times more selenium than locally grown wheat in Buldhana.
Selenium levels in blood, urine, and hair of affected individuals were 35-fold, 60-fold, and 150-fold higher than normal, respectively, confirming toxicity.
Affected individuals, mostly young women and students, reported headaches, fever, scalp itching, tingling, vomiting, and diarrhea before rapid hair loss.
Total baldness occurred within 3–4 days of symptom onset.
Zinc levels in affected individuals were significantly lower, suggesting selenium overload disrupted mineral balance.
The high selenium was inherent to the grain, not from external contamination. Punjab and Haryana’s soil, rich in selenium due to Himalayan rock deposits, causes wheat to absorb and store the mineral .
Buldhana’s salty, alkaline soil and droughts reduce local crop yields, forcing reliance on subsidized ration wheat, which is poorly regulated.
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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has also collected samples of other food items to determine the cause of the health issue. Besides selenium, contaminated water and nutritional deficiencies are also being investigated as potential causes. No similar cases have been reported from other states, suggesting the problem may be specific to the Buldhana area. |
Victims, particularly young women, faced social ostracism, disrupted education, and failed marriages. Many shaved their heads to avoid embarrassment.
After authorities halted consumption of the wheat, some reported partial hair regrowth within 5–6 weeks.
Selenium is critical for metabolism, thyroid function, and antioxidant defense. Adults need 55 micrograms/day, but toxicity occurs above 400 micrograms/day.
Excess selenium causes hair loss, garlic breath, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological issues .
Required diversified crop cultivation and soil health management .
Require policymakers to prioritize quality control and nutritional safety.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements about Selenium: 1. It is toxic even in small doses. 2. It is essential for metabolic functions. 3. Excess intake can cause alopecia. 4. It aids oxygen transport in blood. How many of the above statements are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) Only three D) All four Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is Incorrect: While selenium is toxic in excessive doses, it is not toxic in small doses—It is needed in very small amounts. Toxicity occurs with excess intake. Statement 2 is Correct: Selenium is a critical trace element for metabolic functions, including antioxidant enzyme activity (e.g., glutathione peroxidase). Statement 3 is Correct: Chronic selenium toxicity can cause alopecia (hair loss), along with other symptoms like brittle nails and neurological issues. Statement 4 is Incorrect: Oxygen transport in blood is mediated by hemoglobin (containing iron), not selenium. Selenium’s role is unrelated to this process. |
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