Chronic arsenic toxicity & human health (original) (raw)
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Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, 2013
In the state of West Bengal in India, over 26 million individuals are exposed to arsenic via drinking water. Dermatological, nondermatological disorders and cancers are associated with arsenic toxicity. Of late, there has been a decrease in the arsenic concentration in drinking water owing to governmental efforts, raising the possibility of remediation. A cross-sectional study was conducted, where 189 arsenicosis and 171 unexposed individuals were recruited at two time points, (2005-06 and 2010-11) with concomitant decrease in the level of arsenic exposure via drinking water in the arsenicosis group in 2010-11. Parameters studied included dermatological, non-dermatological health status and cytogenetic damage. Decrease of arsenic exposure (190.1 mg/l to 37.94 mg/l) resulted in significant decline in the number of individuals having dermatological disorders (Po0.01) and in the severity of each dermatological outcome (Po0.0001). Micronucleus formation in urothelial cells and lymphocytes decreased significantly (Po0.001). However, there was a significant (Po0.001) rise in the incidence of each of the non-dermatological diseases, that is, peripheral neuropathy, conjunctivitis and respiratory distress over the period. Thirteen (6.87%) of the initially recruited arsenicosis individuals died of cancer, in this period. Remediation by arsenic-safe drinking water can reduce dermatological manifestations and cytogenetic insult; but is unable to counter the non-dermatological symptoms.
A Review of Arsenic Poisoning and its Effects on Human Health
Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 1999
The incidence of arsenic contamination of ground water used for both irrigation as well as for human consumption or industrial activities has taken the dimension of an epidemiological problem. It has been established that inorganic arsenic is extremely toxic both acute and chronic. Initially it enters into the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption. After entering into the body it is distributed in a large number of organs including the lungs, liver, kidney and skin. The clinical manifestations of arsenic poisoning are myriad, and the correct diagnosis depends largely on awareness of the problem. It is very difficult to diagnose early symptoms of arsenicosis because such non-specific symptoms may also be present in many other diseases. Medicine used for remedy of arsenicosis has been found to be unsatisfactory by repeated application and experience. Melanosis may disappear but keratosis is not altered; though it can prevent further complication. Once the ___________________________________________________________________________ 2 4 Address correspondence to Dr. K. C. Saha, EC-21, Sector 1, Salt Lake, Calcutta-700064, India complication (malignancy) has developed, using medicine may not prevent it. The symptoms and signs of arsenic poisoning may be reduced if the quality of drinking water were improved. Arsenic free water or decrease in arsenic level in the drinking water source is essential for overall development.
Chronic arsenic toxicity: Studies in West Bengal, India
The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, 2011
Chronic arsenic toxicity (arsenicosis) as a result of drinking arsenic-contaminated groundwater is a major environmental health hazard throughout the world, including India. A lot of research on health effects, including genotoxic effect of chronic arsenic toxicity in humans, have been carried out in West Bengal during the last 2 decades. A review of literature including information available from West Bengal has been made to characterize the problem. Scientific journals, monographs, and proceedings of conferences with regard to human health effects, including genotoxicity, of chronic arsenic toxicity have been reviewed. Pigmentation and keratosis are the specific skin diseases characteristic of chronic arsenic toxicity. However, in West Bengal, it was found to produce various systemic manifestations, such as chronic lung disease, characterized by chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive and/or restrictive pulmonary disease, and bronchiectasis; liver diseases, such as non cirrhotic portal fibrosis; polyneuropathy; peripheral vascular disease; hypertension; nonpitting edema of feet/hands; conjunctival congestion; weakness; and anemia. High concentrations of arsenic, greater than or equal to 200 mg/L, during pregnancy were found to be associated with a sixfold increased risk for stillbirth. Cancers of skin, lung, and urinary bladder are the important cancers associated with this toxicity. Of the various genotoxic effects of arsenic in humans, chromosomal aberration and increased frequency of micronuclei in different cell types have been found to be significant. Various probable mechanisms have been incriminated to cause DNA damage because of chronic arsenic toxicity. The results of the study in West Bengal suggest that deficiency in DNA repair capacity, perturbation of methylation of promoter region of p53 and p16 genes, and genomic methylation alteration may be involved in arsenic-induced disease manifestation in humans. P53 polymorphism has been found to be associated with increased occurrence of arsenicinduced keratosis. Of the various genes involved in the regulation of arsenic metabolism, single-nucleotide polymorphisms of purine nucleoside phosphorylase, in one study, showed increased occurrence of arsenicosis.
ARSENIC: IT'S TOXICITY AND IMPACT ON HUMAN HEALTH
International Journal of Biological Innovations, 2021
Water pollution is a major problem in modern life. Almost all the heavy metals are toxic at higher concentrations and some are lethalat very low concentration. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element present in water, food and soil, but now-a-days this element is one of the rapidly emerging serious environmental pollutants; released into the environment through industrial and agricultural usage. In many parts of India, the ground water is contaminated with arsenic. The genesis of arsenic pollution is not understood fully, yet it is thought that natural geological weathering is mostly responsible for the dissolved arsenic in ground water. Arsenic exposure to human causes degenerative, inflammatory and neoplastic changes in skin, respiratory system, blood, lymphatic system, nervous system and reproductive system. There is no particular remedial action for chronic arsenic poisoning. Nearly 100 million people are to be affected by arsenic diseases like spots on the skin, high blood pressure, diabetes, skin cancer, cancer of urinary bladder, kidney and lungs. Low socioeconomic status and malnutrition may increase the risk of chronic toxicity. There is a strong relationship between chronic ingestion of arsenic and deleterious human health effects. Safe drinking water and well-nourished food is essential for the prevention of chronic arsenic toxicity. Balance nutritious-supplements play a major role in the prevention of chronic arsenic poisoning. In this review article, authors tried to provide an overview of some of the major effects documented in the scientific literature.
Carcinogenic and Systemic Health Effects Associated with Arsenic Exposure - A Critical Review
Toxicologic Pathology, 2003
Arsenic and arsenic containing compounds are human carcinogens. Exposure to arsenic occurs occupationally in several industries, including mining, pesticide, pharmaceutical, glass and microelectronics, as well as environmentally from both industrial and natural sources. Inhalation is the principal route of arsenic exposure in occupational settings, while ingestion of contaminated drinking water is the predominant source of significant environmental exposure globally. Drinking water contamination by arsenic remains a major public health problem. Acute and chronic arsenic exposure via drinking water has been reported in many countries of the world, where a large proportion of drinking water is contaminated with high concentrations of arsenic. General health effects that are associated with arsenic exposure include cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease, developmental anomalies, neurologic and neurobehavioural disorders, diabetes, hearing loss, portal fibrosis, hematologic disorders (anemia, leukopenia and eosinophilia) and multiple cancers: significantly higher standardized mortality rates and cumulative mortality rates for cancers of the skin, lung, liver, urinary bladder, kidney, and colon in many areas of arsenic pollution. Although several epidemiological studies have documented the sources of exposure and the global impact of arsenic contamination, the mechanisms by which arsenic induces health effects, including cancer, are not well characterized. Further research is needed to provide a better understanding of the pathobiology of arsenic-induced diseases and to better define the toxicologic pathology of arsenic in various organ systems. In this review, we provide and discuss the underlying pathology and nature of arsenic-induced lesions. Such information is critical for understanding the magnitude of health effects associated with arsenic exposure throughout the world.
Chronic exposure of arsenic via drinking water and its adverse health impacts on humans
Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 2009
Worldwide chronic arsenic (As) toxicity has become a human health threat. Arsenic exposure to humans mainly occurs from the ingestion of As contaminated water and food. This communication presents a review of current research conducted on the adverse health effects on humans exposed to Ascontaminated water. Chronic exposure of As via drinking water causes various types of skin lesions such as melanosis, leucomelanosis, and keratosis. Other manifestations include neurological effects, obstetric problems, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, diseases of the respiratory system and of blood vessels including cardiovascular, and cancers typically involving the skin, lung, and bladder. The skin seems to be quite susceptible to the effects of As. Arsenic-induced skin lesions seem to be the most common and initial symptoms of arsenicosis. More systematic studies are needed to determine the link between As exposure and its related cancer and noncancer end points.
Toxicologic Pathology, 2003
Arsenic and arsenic containing compounds are human carcinogens. Exposure to arsenic occurs occupationally in several industries, including mining, pesticide, pharmaceutical, glass and microelectronics, as well as environmentally from both industrial and natural sources. Inhalation is the principal route of arsenic exposure in occupational settings, while ingestion of contaminated drinking water is the predominant source of significant environmental exposure globally. Drinking water contamination by arsenic remains a major public health problem. Acute and chronic arsenic exposure via drinking water has been reported in many countries of the world, where a large proportion of drinking water is contaminated with high concentrations of arsenic. General health effects that are associated with arsenic exposure include cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease, developmental anomalies, neurologic and neurobehavioural disorders, diabetes, hearing loss, portal fibrosis, hematologic diso...
Arsenic exposure and its toxicity
Current Trends in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, 2022
Arsenic is a pollutant in the environment, and its poisoning of drinking water is considered a severe global health issue. Chronic arsenic exposure is linked to an increased risk of a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular abnormalities, diabetes mellitus, neurotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Furthermore, arsenic exposure has been linked to changes in liver function and the development of hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, only a few studies have shown that persistent exposure to arsenic causes carcinogenesis, particularly cancers of the skin, bladder, and lungs. The current study looks at a variety of processes that play a role in arsenic-induced toxicity and end-organ damage.
Arsenic poisoning: A world – wide threat
Arsenic has been used since 3000 BC. Arsenic is highly toxic in its inorganic form. Contaminated water used for drinking, food preparation and irrigation of food crops poses the greatest threat to public health from arsenic. Long-term exposure to arsenic from drinking-water and food can cause cancer and skin lesions. A short review is presented here to put forward the side-effects of arsenic contaminations.
Pathology Related to Chronic Arsenic Exposure
Environmental Health Perspectives, 2002
Metals Toxicity Millions now suffer the effects of chronic arseniasis related to environmental arsenic exposure. The biological mechanisms responsible for arsenic-induced toxicity and especially chronic effects, including cancer, are not well known. The U.S. Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) is participating in an international research effort to improve this understanding by the development of the International Tissue and Tumor Repository for Chronic Arsenosis (ITTRCA). The ITTRCA obtains, archives, and makes available for research purposes, tissues from subjects exposed to arsenic. We provide here a short overview of arsenic-induced pathology, briefly describe arsenicinduced lesions in the skin and liver, and present five case reports from the ITTRCA. Arsenicinduced skin pathology includes hyperkeratosis, pigmentation changes, Bowen disease, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinomas. A unique spectrum of skin lesions, known as arsenical keratosis, is rather characteristic of chronic arseniasis. Bowen disease, or squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the skin, has been well documented as a consequence of arsenical exposure. A spectrum of liver lesions has also been attributed to chronic arseniasis. Of these, hepatocellular carcinoma, angiosarcoma, cirrhosis, and hepatoportal sclerosis have been associated with arsenic exposure. We present case reports that relate to these health conditions, namely, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and Bowen disease of the skin and hepatocellular carcinoma and angiosarcoma of the liver. Four patients had been treated with arsenical medications for such conditions as asthma, psoriasis, and syphilis, and one case occurred in a boy chronically exposed to arsenic in drinking water.