Arsenic exposure can lead to various health risks, including cancer, skin lesions, and other organ damage. Some of the health risks associated with arsenic exposure are:
1. Skin: Long-term exposure to arsenic can cause skin changes, such as patchy skin hyperpigmentation, small focal keratoses, and other skin lesions[4]. Skin cancer is also a significant concern, as chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic in contaminated water and the workplace is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer[4].
2. Lungs: Breathing in high levels of arsenic can cause a sore throat and irritated lungs[3]. Long-term exposure to arsenic may also cause lung cancer[1].
3. Bladder: Exposure to arsenic has been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer[1].
4. Kidneys: Chronic arsenic exposure can cause kidney damage[3].
5. Liver: Long-term exposure to arsenic can lead to liver damage[3].
6. Blood: Arsenic exposure can cause a shortage of red and white blood cells, leading to fatigue and an increased risk of infections[3].
7. Hematopoietic and Hematologic Effects: Arsenic exposure can affect the blood system, causing myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular issues[1].
8. Neurologic Effects: Arsenic exposure can damage the nervous system and cause neurological problems[4].
9. Reproductive Effects: Arsenic exposure can impact the reproductive system and cause fertility issues[4].
Exposure to lower levels of arsenic over longer periods of time can cause skin changes, liver and kidney damage, and a shortage of red and white blood cells, which can lead to fatigue and an increased risk of infections[3]. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified arsenic and arsenic compounds as carcinogens[1]. It is crucial to minimize arsenic exposure through proper waste management practices and monitoring its release into the environment.
Citations:
[1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/arsenic
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/arsenic/default.html
[3] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/arsenic.html
[4] https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/arsenic/physiologic_effects.html
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4186552/
