[Chronic arsenic water pollution in the Republic of Argentina]

Arsenical pollution of water supplies is a chronic problem of great medical, social and sanitary importance in Argentina. The well-known cutaneous manifestations of chronic arsenical toxicity, palmar and plantar keratoses, melanoderma and multiple epitheliomas are described. The interest which this disease has evoked in the last few years is emphasized when new arsenical areas are discovered with clinical cases of chronic arsenical intoxication. Furthermore it is shown that the high content of arsenic in drinking water may be the determining factor in the incidence of visceral neoplasms. Contrary to classic beliefs, the chronic toxic effects from arsenic may be present in young children but the palmar and plantar keratoses may be absent. The histochemical localization of the arsenic in the skin and its relation to thyroid function and the production of leukoplakia and laryngeal cancer are noted. When one analyses all the recent reports it is evident that patients with chronic arsenical intoxication must now be thoroughly studied bearing in mind the multiple localization of this carcinogenic agent.