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Acute arsenic intoxication from environmental arsenic exposure
1Division of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York.
Archives of Environmental Health
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Acute arsenic poisoning from well water is rare but serious. Environmental exposure via contaminated water can cause severe gastrointestinal, neurological, and organ damage, highlighting the need for metal testing in private wells.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute arsenic poisoning is uncommon, with environmental exposure being a rare cause.
- Private well water safety regulations often lack comprehensive testing beyond microbial contaminants.
Observation:
- Two cases of acute arsenic intoxication were reported following ingestion of contaminated well water.
- The well was located near an abandoned mine but only tested for microorganisms.
Findings:
- Patients presented with severe gastrointestinal distress, neurotoxicity (central and peripheral), bone marrow suppression, and liver damage.
- Cutaneous and mucous membrane changes were also observed.
Implications:
- Existing regulations for private well water testing are insufficient, particularly in areas with potential mining activity.
- Comprehensive testing for heavy metals, such as arsenic, is crucial for ensuring the safety of private well water sources.