Agroaldea
So concludes an investigation of the University of Salamanca, which draws attention to the contamination of this product of bees, increasingly present in cosmetic products and foodstuffs.
The study of this University has found that in the northwest of Spain there is a high amount of lead and chromium in propolis, resinous substance that bees use to cover and protect the hive.
Research tries to develop a system of quality control of propolis fast and has begun to analyze its mineral composition.
In addition to finding health beneficial elements, as aluminum, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, scientists have found two surprises potentially toxic to humans, high levels of lead and chromium.
In collaboration with the University of Vigo, They have been collected 91 samples in two Spanish regions, Castilla y Leon and Galicia, and in the Bío Bío Region of Chile.
Given that European legislation considers that the maximum lead content of food should be 0,1 parts per million (ppm), the 80% of propolis of Castile and Leon would be contaminated, the 58% Galician and 87% Chileans.
However, when analyzing the specific figures, propolis collected in Castilla and Leon are much more contaminated, since they reach 15 ppm lead by 2 ppm both Galicia and the Bío Bío Region. In the case of chromium, the Castile and Leon reach the 5,7 ppm by 3 of the other two regions.
Researchers have found no differences between conventional and organic farms, so we believe that the source of contamination is due to the action of the human being and that may be related to pesticide use, the burning of fossil fuels, pollution of water and even in relation to the paint applied in some hives.
Given the large difference between two nearby communities such as Galicia and Castilla and Leon, it is likely that the results will influence the climate and the particular characteristics of apiaries, according to scientists.
In addition, researchers point out that those same honeys hives have no contamination, probably, because "the bees do not process propolis, whereas they produce honey and in the process remove pollutants ", Ana Maria Quintana clarifies Vivar, another of the scientists who conducted the study.
Another important aspect is that the analysis has been conducted the research team were conducted by taking samples directly from the hives, i.e., It is not processed products reaching the consumer and, today, in the absence of relevant legislation, It is not known under what conditions offered for sale, researchers say.
Today, researchers are extending the study to Asturias and Extremadura to study possible differences. Although "the beekeeper is very difficult to do something because bees travel up to three kilometers around the hives", yes you could recommend that propolis were obtained only in some specific regions where pollution was less.
Although it is small amounts, an element such as lead accumulates and its toxic effect can cause gastrointestinal disorders, neurological and immunological, especially in children, experts warn.
"Spain is a country with a highly developed beekeeping, but focused on honey, It has always given very little importance at propolis ", despite its antiseptic effects, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs have become a very popular product in recent years.