A Review of Arsenic Poisoning and its Effects on Human Health

• Published in: Critical reviews in environmental science and technology Vol. 29; no. 3; pp. 281 - 313
• Main Authors: Saha, J. C., Dikshit, A. K., Bandyopadhyay, M., Saha, K. C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Colchester TAYLOR & FRANCIS 01-07-1999; Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: acute toxicity; arsenicosis; Biological and medical sciences; Biological materials; cancer; Chemical and industrial products toxicology. Toxic occupational diseases; chronic toxicity; Contamination; Diagnosis; ground water; Groundwater; Health hazards; keratosis; Medical sciences; Medicine; melanosis; Metals and various inorganic compounds; Potable water; remedy; Toxicity; Toxicology; Water quality; Human; Prevention; Drinking water; Pollutant; Symptomatology; Arsenic; Toxicity; Environment; Poisoning; Review; Contamination; Public health
• ISSN: 1064-3389; 1547-6537
• DOI: 10.1080/10643389991259227

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 nonspecific symptoms may also be present in many other diseases. Medicine used for the remedy of arsenicosis has been found to be unsatisfactory by repeated application and experience. Melanosis may disappear but keratosis is not altered, although it can prevent further complication. Once the 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 was improved. Arsenic-free water or a decrease in the arsenic level in the drinking water source is essential for overall development.