effects of artificial ripening

In recent times, there is much concern about artificial ripening of fruits. Though fruits like mango naturally ripen in trees; some chemicals are used to ripen them artificially which hasten the ripening process. Ripe fruits are not suitable to carry and distribute as they get rotten.
For many years, ethylene had been used as a fruit ripening agent, but nowadays ethane, calcium carbide and ethephon are commonly used for faster ripening. But inappropriate use of these chemicals to ripen fruits is associated with many health hazards.
Ripening is a process in fruits that causes them to become edible. Globally, the ripening is done through gas emission systems or ethylene generator systems, depending on quality and shelf life desired.

Ill-effects of artificial ripening
- Ethylene is known to cause damage to the neurological system, affects the eyes, skin, lungs, memory and leads to prolonged hypoxia (lack of oxygen supply).
- Ethephon is a plant growth regulator. It promotes pre-harvest ripening in apples, currants, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, morello cherries, citrus fruit, figs, tomatoes, sugar beet and fodder beet seed crops, coffee, capsicum. Ethephon is easily converted into ethylene and has the same harmful effects.
-Besides ripening agents, farmers also use many pesticides to grow fruits and vegetables which are detrimental to our health.

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