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 review article explores the health risks associated with airborne inorganic arsenic, particularly focusing on its oxidative stress-inducing properties. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of how arsenic exposure, primarily from industrial and environmental sources like mining and coal combustion, triggers multiple biological processes that damage organs, leading to various health issues. It outlines arsenic’s ability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), disrupt cellular functions, and lead to diseases such as lung cancer, neurodevelopmental impairments, cardiovascular disease, and skin conditions. It further examines the molecular mechanisms driving arsenic-induced toxicity, including epigenetic changes, signaling pathway alterations, and the transgenerational effects of arsenic exposure. Additionally, the paper critiques current risk assessment models, like the Linear No-Threshold (LNT) model, suggesting a shift towards threshold-based risk assessment for low-dose exposures.
Who is affected?
The key stakeholders impacted by airborne inorganic arsenic exposure include populations living near industrial hotspots such as mining areas, coal-fired power plants, and informal e-waste recycling zones. These populations are at heightened risk due to higher arsenic concentrations in the air, which they inhale over extended periods. Occupational groups such as smelter workers and others exposed to arsenic dust in industries also face significantly elevated risks. Public health officials, regulatory bodies, and environmental agencies must monitor and regulate airborne arsenic to minimize its harmful effects.
Most important findings
The review highlights several critical findings regarding the toxicology of airborne inorganic arsenic. Arsenic exposure leads to oxidative stress, which damages cellular components such as lipids, proteins, and DNA, contributing to a range of diseases. It disrupts mitochondrial function, activates stress-related signaling pathways, and impairs antioxidant defense systems. Moreover, arsenic induces epigenetic changes that affect gene regulation, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, which may contribute to carcinogenesis and other diseases.
The review also critiques the traditional Linear No-Threshold (LNT) model for risk assessment, arguing that it overestimates the risks of low-dose exposures by up to three times. A more accurate, threshold-based approach would better reflect the complexities of arsenic toxicity, particularly at lower exposure levels. The paper also discusses the organ-specific pathologies caused by arsenic, including neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, cutaneous, and cardiovascular damage. These findings underscore the need for more comprehensive risk assessments that account for multiple exposure routes (air, water, food) and consider the long-term, transgenerational impacts of arsenic exposure.
Key implications
The review calls for more refined risk assessment models to replace the outdated LNT model, especially in low-dose exposure scenarios. Regulatory agencies must reassess current standards and adopt more precise models that incorporate threshold-based approaches, ensuring better protection for vulnerable populations. For the food and beverage industry, particularly those involved in mining, coal, and e-waste recycling, it is critical to enhance monitoring and reduce airborne arsenic emissions. Public health policies should focus on controlling arsenic pollution sources and mitigating its effects on populations, especially in regions with high industrial activity. Additionally, the review advocates for increased investment in environmental monitoring and the development of more advanced technologies for detecting and reducing arsenic exposure in both the environment and the food chain.
Citation
Liu, Q. (2025). Toxicology of Airborne Inorganic Arsenic: Oxidative Stress, Molecular Mechanisms, and Organ-Specific Pathologies. Toxics, 13(9), 753. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13090753
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.
