Dangerous practice
When calcium carbide compound’s two main products – acetylene, a colourless gas widely used as fuel, and calcium cyanamide used as fertilizer - come into contact with water, it produces acetylene gas that hastens the ripening of several fruits such as mangoes, bananas and apples.
What is artificial ripening?
When calcium carbide compound’s two main products – acetylene, a colourless gas widely used as fuel, and calcium cyanamide used as fertilizer - come into contact with water, it produces acetylene gas that hastens the ripening of several fruits such as mangoes, bananas and apples.
Why concern over this?
This chemical is extremely hazardous; it contains traces of arsenic and phosphorus which both have dangerous effects on the human body.
Why calcium carbide is preferred?
It is freely available and very cheap compared to ethylene.
What about sweeteners?
Injection of harmful chemicals (sweeteners) in mangoes, papaya and apples is also in practice
What are the dangers?
Mouth ulcers, gastric problems, diarrhoea, skin rashes, cancer, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, allergies, miscarriages and abnormalities in children
