Arsenic Toxicity: Understanding Its Causes, Manifestations, and Remedies
In various workplaces such as glass production, wood treatment, and the production and use of certain pesticides, arsenic may be present [1]. This semi-metallic chemical, found naturally in groundwater, can also seep into groundwater sources, posing a threat to public health, particularly through the consumption of contaminated drinking water.
Recent research has highlighted the extensive and serious long-term health effects of arsenic exposure in drinking water. Prolonged ingestion of arsenic damages DNA and disrupts normal cell growth, significantly increasing the risk of cancers of the skin, bladder, lungs, and kidneys [1]. It also harms blood vessels and the heart, contributing to conditions such as high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart attacks, and strokes [1][2][5].
Chronic arsenic exposure is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus development [2][5], and long-term exposure can lead to adverse effects on lung function and respiratory health [2]. Furthermore, exposure during pregnancy, even at low levels below U.S. EPA safety thresholds, can impair placental function and is associated with increased risks of preterm birth, low birthweight, and smaller infant size relative to gestational age [3][4].
Chronic arsenic intake impairs liver and kidney function, contributing to systemic toxicity [5]. Early symptoms may include skin irritation such as redness and itching, with progression potentially leading to skin lesions [1].
In light of these findings, it is crucial for those suspecting arsenic poisoning in their area to seek the assistance of a poison center or medical toxicologist. Symptoms of arsenic poisoning can include drowsiness, headaches, confusion, severe diarrhea, convulsions, and changes in fingernail pigmentation [6]. Urine tests should be carried out within 1 to 2 days of initial exposure for an accurate measure of when the poisoning occurred [6].
In industries where arsenic is used, it can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin depending on its use [1]. Areas with dangerous arsenic levels are usually well-known, and provisions exist to prevent and handle the risk of poisoning [7]. However, it is essential for anyone who suspects there may be high arsenic levels in their local environment to contact their local authorities for more information [7].
Treatment for arsenic poisoning depends on the type and stage, and methods include bowel irrigation, chelation therapy, and removing contaminated clothes [8]. Tests on hair and fingernails can determine the level of arsenic exposure over a period of up to 12 months [8]. Traces of arsenic can be found in some foods, with poultry and rice having higher levels [9].
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a limit of 0.01 parts per million (ppm) for arsenic in drinking water, while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) sets a limit of 10 micrograms (mcg) of arsenic per cubic meter of air for 8-hour shifts and 40-hour weeks [10].
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 200 million people worldwide are exposed to water containing potentially unsafe levels of arsenic [11]. Inorganic arsenic compounds are more harmful than organic ones due to their ability to react with cells in the body [12].
For concerns about arsenic and other toxins, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can provide assistance [13]. Pathological testing can confirm an instance of arsenic poisoning [14]. The CDC also recommends that individuals at high risk, such as those living in areas with known arsenic contamination, consider testing their well water for arsenic levels [15].
In conclusion, long-term arsenic exposure through drinking water poses grave health risks, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, developmental harm to fetuses, and organ dysfunction. Recent research highlights that even low-level exposure, previously considered safe, may negatively affect birth outcomes, prompting calls for stricter regulation and mitigation efforts [3][4].
- The science of medical-conditions has highlighted the predictive relationship between long-term arsenic exposure and chronic diseases, particularly cancers of the skin, bladder, lungs, and kidneys.
- Arsenic, a semi-metallic chemical, can disrupt normal cell growth and damage DNA, increasing the risk of chronic diseases.
- In addition to causing cancers, arsenic can harm blood vessels and the heart, leading to conditions such as high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
- Besides cancer and cardiovascular diseases, chronic arsenic exposure is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus development.
- Long-term exposure to arsenic also leads to adverse effects on lung function and respiratory health.
- Exposure during pregnancy can impair placental function and is associated with increased risks of preterm birth, low birthweight, and smaller infant size.
- Inhalation or absorption through the skin are routes of exposure to arsenic in industries where it is used.
- For those suspecting arsenic poisoning, seeking assistance from a poison center or medical toxicologist is crucial.
- Symptoms of arsenic poisoning can include drowsiness, headaches, confusion, severe diarrhea, convulsions, and changes in fingernail pigmentation.
- Urine tests should be carried out within 1 to 2 days of initial exposure for an accurate measure of when the poisoning occurred.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a limit of 0.01 parts per million (ppm) for arsenic in drinking water.
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) sets a limit of 10 micrograms (mcg) of arsenic per cubic meter of air for 8-hour shifts and 40-hour weeks.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 200 million people worldwide are exposed to water containing potentially unsafe levels of arsenic.
- In health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce the risk of arsenic-related health issues.
- In the environmental-science industry, stricter regulations and mitigation efforts are called for to protect public health from the effects of arsenic exposure.
- Finance plays a role in addressing the issue of arsenic poisoning, as investing in technology and businesses focused on health-and-wellness and environmental-science can combat the issue.
- In lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and sports, being aware of the potential sources of arsenic and taking necessary precautions can help minimize exposure to this harmful substance.
