Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The article provides a detailed update on the global public health risks associated with chronic arsenic exposure. The review addresses the widespread contamination of drinking water with arsenic, a metalloid element that occurs primarily in inorganic forms (AsIII and AsV). It outlines the significant health impacts of arsenic exposure, which are not only limited to cancers such as skin, lung, bladder, kidney, and liver but also extend to non-cancer health issues, including cardiovascular disease, neurological impairments, and developmental problems. The review highlights areas of the world, such as Bangladesh, Chile, and certain parts of the United States, where arsenic contamination in drinking water remains a major public health concern. It emphasizes the importance of reducing exposure, particularly in pregnant women and children, and calls for improved monitoring of both drinking water and food sources for arsenic contamination.
Who is affected?
The primary groups affected by chronic arsenic exposure include populations relying on contaminated drinking water, especially in regions with naturally occurring arsenic or areas near industrial activities like mining and electronics manufacturing. Vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and children, are at an elevated risk of developing health issues from arsenic exposure. Public health officials, food manufacturers, and regulatory bodies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are crucial stakeholders. These bodies must ensure that arsenic levels in water and food products are within safe limits. In the food industry, manufacturers dealing with rice and other grains are particularly affected by the growing concerns over arsenic contamination in these food products, as they represent significant sources of exposure.
Most important findings
The article emphasizes the widespread health consequences of chronic arsenic exposure, which affects nearly every bodily system. Skin lesions, including hyperpigmentation and keratosis, are the most common visible signs, but arsenic exposure is also associated with more serious internal health issues. The review stresses the link between arsenic exposure and several types of cancer, especially lung, bladder, liver, and kidney cancers. Additionally, arsenic’s effects extend beyond cancer, contributing to cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and developmental issues. One of the most alarming findings is the long-term impact of early-life arsenic exposure, which can lead to increased cancer risk and developmental impairments that persist into adulthood. The article also highlights the lack of awareness about arsenic contamination in private wells, which often go untested, leaving many communities at risk.
Key implications
The findings have significant implications for public health and industry practices. For the food industry, there is a clear need for more rigorous testing and control of arsenic levels in both food and water sources, particularly in rice and other grains known to be at risk. Food manufacturers must adopt stricter monitoring systems to ensure that products meet safety standards, reducing consumer exposure to arsenic. Public health officials and regulatory bodies must focus on raising awareness of the dangers of arsenic exposure, particularly among pregnant women and children, and ensure that arsenic levels in drinking water are continually monitored and maintained below safe thresholds. This article highlights the need for global efforts to address arsenic contamination, with an emphasis on improving water filtration systems, especially in regions with high arsenic concentrations.
Citation
Naujokas, M. F., Anderson, B., Ahsan, H., Aposhian, H. V., Graziano, J. H., Thompson, C., & Suk, W. A. (2013). The Broad Scope of Health Effects from Chronic Arsenic Exposure: Update on a Worldwide Public Health Problem. Environmental Health Perspectives, 121(3), 295. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1205875
Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid that ranks first on the ATSDR toxic substances list. Inorganic arsenic contaminates water, rice and consumer products, and exposure is linked to cardiovascular disease, cognitive deficits, low birth weight and cancer. HMTC’s stringent certification applies ALARA principles to protect vulnerable populations.
