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 review of the various environmental sources contributing to arsenic exposure. Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid that is widely distributed in the environment, and its contamination of drinking water, food, air, and soil presents significant health risks. The paper identifies drinking water as the primary source of arsenic exposure globally, with high arsenic concentrations found in groundwater due to both natural processes and industrial activities. Arsenic contamination also arises from the use of arsenic in wood preservatives, pesticides, and industrial manufacturing. Additionally, air pollution, especially in industrial areas, contributes to arsenic exposure through airborne particulate matter. The review emphasizes the urgent need for better regulatory oversight to limit arsenic contamination and reduce human exposure, particularly through drinking water and food.
Who is affected?
Populations most affected by arsenic exposure include communities that rely on contaminated drinking water, particularly in areas with high natural arsenic levels in groundwater. This is a significant concern in countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and parts of the United States, where arsenic levels in drinking water often exceed safe limits. Populations living near industrial areas or involved in occupations that expose them to arsenic, such as workers in mining or wood treatment industries, are also at risk. Consumers, especially those who eat rice or other food grown in arsenic-contaminated soil, are affected by the presence of arsenic in food. Public health authorities, environmental agencies, and food manufacturers must monitor and regulate arsenic exposure to protect these vulnerable groups.
Most important findings
The article identifies several critical sources of arsenic exposure, with drinking water being the largest contributor. Arsenic contamination in water, particularly from groundwater, is a major health threat, especially in regions where arsenic leaches from soil and geological formations. The review notes that industrial activities, including mining and metal processing, contribute to significant arsenic contamination of both air and water. Furthermore, arsenic is used in wood preservatives and pesticides, which can lead to environmental contamination. Cigarette smoking is also recognized as a source of arsenic exposure, with smokers having higher urinary arsenic concentrations than non-smokers. The article points out that food, particularly crops irrigated with arsenic-contaminated water, contributes to dietary arsenic exposure. The review emphasizes the need for more stringent regulations to lower arsenic levels in drinking water and food.
Key implications
The review underscores the need for stronger regulatory measures to control arsenic levels in drinking water, food, and air. For the food industry, particularly rice producers, it is essential to monitor and reduce arsenic contamination in crops, especially in regions where arsenic concentrations are high. Public health officials must focus on minimizing arsenic exposure from drinking water by improving water filtration systems and enforcing stricter contamination limits. In addition, there should be efforts to reduce the use of arsenic in industrial applications and to address the risks posed by arsenic in tobacco smoke. Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), should continue to update guidelines on permissible arsenic levels based on the latest scientific data. The findings also highlight the importance of educating the public, particularly vulnerable populations, about the risks of arsenic exposure and the need for prevention.
Citation
Chung, Y., Yu, D., & Hong, S. (2014). Environmental Source of Arsenic Exposure. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, 47(5), 253. https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.14.036
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.
