Various effects of arsenic in Japan depending on type of exposure

Since 1955, a number of outbreaks of arsenic poisoning have occurred throughout Japan among industrial workers and the general population. The sources and types of exposure differ according to the incident, and the victims vary in sex and age. These incidents include arsenic poisoning in milk, soy sauce, and well water, pollution originating from the Toroku Mine on the island of Kyushu, the Matsuo Mine in Shimane Prefecture and Saganoseki Smelter on Kyushu. The type, routes, and dose of exposure as well as major symptoms are given. The clinical signs and symptoms are discussed in relation to the various types of exposure which occurred in these incidents. Dose-response relationships will be considered where data are available.