Mumbai: A recent case in Mumbai has highlighted a hidden health hazard lurking in many Indian kitchens — old aluminium pressure cookers. Doctors warn that long-term use of decades-old cookers, especially those made from unregulated metal sources, may expose users to dangerous levels of lead contamination.
Last week, a Mumbai resident was diagnosed with lead poisoning after regularly consuming meals cooked in a 20-year-old pressure cooker. This incident comes after authorities in Tamil Nadu, in a survey last year, detected traces of lead in pressure cookers used in hostels and community meal programmes.
Why Lead Is Dangerous
Medical experts explain that lead is a toxic heavy metal that does not exit the body quickly. Instead, it accumulates in tissues, including the liver, kidneys, and bones, over time. Prolonged exposure can lead to:
Fatigue, headaches, and memory problems
Anaemia and kidney damage
Developmental delays in children
Increased risk of hypertension and heart disease in adults
How It Leaches into Food
Older aluminium cookers, particularly those manufactured from unregulated scrap metal sources, may have trace amounts of lead mixed in during production. Over years of heating and cooking, especially with acidic foods like tomatoes or tamarind, the lead can leach into meals in small but harmful quantities.
The Bigger Concern
Pressure cookers are considered a long-lasting household item, often passed down for decades. However, unlike modern models that undergo stricter testing and quality control, many older cookers lack safety certification against heavy metal contamination.
Doctors are now advising families to be cautious. “If you are still using a cooker that is 15–20 years old, especially one without ISI certification, it is safer to replace it,” one physician noted.
What You Can Do
Replace cookers older than 10–15 years, particularly those made of aluminium.
Avoid using damaged or discoloured cookware.
Switch to stainless steel cookers, which are less likely to leach harmful substances.
Be mindful of where new cookware is purchased; always opt for certified products.
As awareness grows, health experts stress that prevention is critical. It is because once lead enters the body, its harmful effects can last a lifetime.