Chronic arsenic toxicity & human health

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Chronic arsenic toxicity (arsenicosis) from contaminated groundwater is a global health concern, particularly in India.
• Extensive research over two decades has revealed significant health effects of chronic arsenic toxicity (CAT) in humans.
• This review highlights the widespread problem of arsenicosis, including its associated malignancies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current knowledge on the health effects of chronic arsenic toxicity.
• To emphasize the clinical manifestations, both dermatological and systemic, of arsenicosis.
• To discuss the management strategies and limitations in treating arsenicosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent research on chronic arsenic toxicity.
• Analysis of studies focusing on health effects, skin lesions, systemic manifestations, and cancers.
• Evaluation of current management and treatment approaches for arsenicosis.

Main Results:

• Specific skin lesions like pigmentation and keratosis are characteristic of CAT.
• Systemic manifestations include chronic lung disease (COPD, bronchiectasis), liver disease (non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis), polyneuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, edema, and anemia.
• Associated cancers include skin, lung, and urinary bladder cancer.

Conclusions:

• Arsenicosis presents with diverse clinical features beyond skin lesions, affecting multiple organ systems.
• Cessation of exposure to arsenic-contaminated water is the primary management strategy; chelation therapy has limited efficacy.
• Early detection and treatment of arsenic-induced skin cancer through surveillance are crucial for curability, while overall treatment for arsenicosis remains largely symptomatic and unsatisfactory.