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Well water arsenic exposure, arsenic induced skin-lesions and self-reported morbidity in Inner Mongolia
Citation:
WADE, T. J., Y. Wu, Y. Li, AND J. S. MUMFORD. Well water arsenic exposure, arsenic induced skin-lesions and self-reported morbidity in Inner Mongolia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Molecular Diversity Preservation International, Basel, Switzerland, 6(3):1010-1025, (2009).
Impact/Purpose:
research results
Description:
Arsenic exposure from contaminated well water is a cause of skin and bladder cancer and linked to numerous other adverse health effects. Residents of the Bayingnormen region of Inner Mongolia, China, have been exposed to arsenic-contaminated well water for over 20 years but few studies have systematically investigated health effects in this region. Methods: We conducted a census of one arsenic-affected village to document exposure to arsenic and assess the prevalence of arsenic-associated skin lesions and self-reported morbidity. Interviews were conducted with each household to ascertain demographic, health and other characteristics of household members. A water sample was collected from each household’s primary source of water. Total arsenic in the water sample was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: Information was collected from 3 284 households and 12 334 individuals. Residents were exposed to a wide range of arsenic, from below detection to 637.7 μg/L. Residents were exposed to their current water source for an average of 10 years and arsenic exposure was inversely associated with education level and income. Five-percent (632) of residents had skin lesions characteristics of arsenic exposure, and the presence of these skin lesions was strongly associated with well water arsenic exposure. An elevated risk of skin lesions was observed among residents exposed to relatively low arsenic levels between 5 μg/L-20 μg/L. We noted a slightly stronger susceptibility among males to skin lesions following arsenic exposure. The presence of skin lesions was also associated with self-reported cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but not stroke. Conclusions: The adverse health effects of arsenic were evident at even low arsenic exposures in a village in the Bayingnormen region of Inner Mongolia, China.
