Arsenic has no smell or taste and hence is hard to detect, even if it is present in dangerous levels. Arsenic poisoning occurs mainly through contaminated drinking water and occupational exposures.
One of the most severe cases of poisoning by arsenic through drinking water was reported in Bangladesh, which the WHO termed as "largest mass poisoning of a population in history."
The recommended limit of arsenic in drinking water is 0.01 mg/L (10ppb). The inorganic forms of arsenic, such as arsenic trioxide, found in drinking water, are much more poisonous than the organic forms.
Studies in Northern India have revealed that arsenic has not only seeped into and contaminated ground water, but has also entered the food chain, as revealed by tests on samples of food crop such as rice, maize and sugarcane. Rice is particularly susceptible to arsenic poisoning. Foods such as poultry, fish and meat have also been found to contain traces of arsenic.
Certain industries such as that of glass, wood, smelting and pesticide industry make use of arsenic or produce it as by-product.
In adults, the acute minimal lethal dose of arsenic is estimated to be about 1 mg/kg/day. Arsenic poisoning has been found to be detrimental to health. It has now come to light that people who have been drinking water contaminated with arsenic for several years suffer various ailments.
Arsenic poisoning is linked to heart diseases, stroke, cancer, diabetes, skin problems, chronic lower respiratory diseases, liver diseases, digestion-related issues and complications of the nervous system. Chronic exposure has been linked to vitamin A deficiency and night blindness.
Signs and Symptoms of Arsenic Poisoning
Arsenic poisoning displays an array of symptoms and needs to be properly treated to avoid fatality.
Body organs that are usually affected by arsenic poisoning include skin, lungs, kidneys, and liver.
Initial symptoms include the following-
Headaches
Confusion
Drowsiness
Severe diarrhea
Pallor
Rashes
Swelling
As the poisoning increases, convulsions and fingernail pigmentation changes (leukonychia) could occur.
Symptoms of acute arsenic poisoning include-
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Cramping muscles
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Stomach pain
Hair loss
Breath that smells like garlic
Convulsions
If arsenic poisoning is not treated properly, the patient could enter into a coma and eventually die.
Treatment and Prevention of Arsenic Poisoning
Arsenic poisoning is capable of causing life- threatening health issues and can even prove fatal if not treated on time.
Diagnosis of arsenic poisoning over a year can be measured by studying samples of blood, hair, urine, and fingernail. Urine tests within a day or two after exposure can help to analyze poisoning at the initial stage.
Treatment for arsenic poisoning has been the same as that of metallic poisoning, especially in third world countries, and this has not been able to provide the necessary relief to long-time sufferers. Instead of single drug therapy, a combination therapy has been tried using a drug which has monoisomyl succimor as its base, along with aloe vera. The drug has a better ability to penetrate cell membranes, get attached to the arsenic content and to excrete it from the body. The potent antioxidants in aloe vera can combat the oxidative stress that arises from arsenic poisoning.
Other steps to counter arsenic poisoning-
Removing contaminated clothes and washing and rinsing skin thoroughly
Bowel irrigation - Passing large quantities of polyethylene solution through the GI tract to flush out arsenic
Blood transfusions
Supportive treatment for complications like heart failure and seizures
Arsenic poisoning can be prevented through the following methods-
Fixing arsenic removal system in homes
Periodically testing drinking water for arsenic
Rainwater harvesting
Digging wells that are adequately deep
The problem of groundwater being contaminated with arsenic can be mitigated to a large extent by installing filters at community level. Care must be taken to see that these filters are cleaned and maintained regularly and that the sledge generated by these filters is disposed off properly.
Although arsenic has been found to be beneficial in treating cancer, its risks far outweigh its benefits. Proper prevention can only be brought about by educating people about the hazards of arsenic poisoning.
Those who are exposed to arsenic for longer periods of time must be monitored periodically for early signs of damage.
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