Hello,

I am doing a report with the Observer Research Foundation in Mumbai on hearing impairment and deafness in India, as well as an analysis on the National Program for Prevention and Control of Deafness. As heavy metals along with certain industrial solvents and other pollutants can be ototoxic, I would like some help with understanding more about the presence of these chemicals that can be the cause of hearing impairment in newborns and young children. In particular, I am interested in the presence of and exposure to heavy metals (mercury, lead), solvents (toluene, styrene) as well as arsenic, cobalt, cyanides, benzene, propylene-glycol and potassium bromide in drinking water in urban, peri-urban and industrial settings. I would appreciate any information that I can get.

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Shaheeda Kirtane