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 provides a detailed review of maternal exposure to arsenic and its detrimental impact on both maternal and fetal health. The review discusses how inorganic arsenic, commonly found in drinking water and food, can pass through the placenta, affecting the developing fetus. The review explores various adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, miscarriage, developmental delays, and gestational diabetes. It emphasizes how arsenic induces toxicity through oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, and interference with cellular processes. These mechanisms are linked to complications that can harm both the mother and the fetus.
Who is affected?
This issue affects pregnant women, especially those exposed to elevated arsenic levels through drinking water, food, or environmental pollution. Women living in regions with arsenic-contaminated groundwater or agricultural runoff are at higher risk. Fetal development, particularly during the first trimester, is highly vulnerable to arsenic exposure, with potential consequences ranging from congenital anomalies to neurodevelopmental delays in children. Public health policies should focus on protecting these populations, as maternal and fetal health during pregnancy are significantly impacted by arsenic exposure, especially at levels higher than the safe limits recommended by health organizations.
Most important findings
The review highlights the severity of arsenic exposure during pregnancy, pointing out that even low to moderate exposure levels can lead to significant adverse outcomes. Inorganic arsenic and its metabolites, such as monomethylarsenic (MMA) and dimethylarsenic (DMA), cross the placenta and reach the fetus. Exposure to arsenic is associated with complications like gestational diabetes, anemia, and low birth weight. Higher levels of arsenic exposure, particularly above 50 µg/L in drinking water, increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death. The review also identifies that female fetuses may be more susceptible to developmental harm, including congenital heart anomalies and developmental delays.
Key implications
The findings of the review stress the urgent need for stronger regulations to limit arsenic exposure, particularly in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women. Governments and regulatory bodies must ensure stricter monitoring and control of arsenic in drinking water and food to protect public health. Food manufacturers, especially in regions where arsenic contamination is prevalent, should adopt preventive measures and collaborate with health authorities to minimize exposure risks. Public health officials should increase awareness about the risks of arsenic exposure during pregnancy and ensure that effective water treatment systems are in place. Additionally, the findings suggest that future food certification standards and regulatory alignment should focus on minimizing arsenic levels, particularly in rice and water, to protect maternal and child health.
Citation
Ortiz-Garcia, N. Y., Cipriano Ramírez, A. I., Juarez, K., Galindo, J. B., Briceño, G., & Martinez, E. C. (2023). Maternal Exposure to Arsenic and Its Impact on Maternal and Fetal Health: A Review. Cureus, 15(11), e49177. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.49177
