China
Africa
Explore chapters and articles related to this topic
Chronic Arsenic Exposure to Drinking Water
Published in M. Manzurul Hassan, Arsenic in Groundwater, 2018
The most common consequence caused by ingestion of arsenic-contaminated water is the development of various typical skin lesions like “raindrop” pigmentation on the chest, back, and legs. Melanosis (known as hyperpigmentation) and hyperkeratosis (known as bilateral palmar-plantar thickening) are the two common manifestations of chronic arsenic poisoning (Çöl et al., 1999; Kile et al., 2011; Saha, 2003). Melanosis is considered an early-stage skin lesion and the most common manifestation, whereas keratosis is considered a sensitive marker of more advanced stages of arsenicosis (Sengupta et al., 2008; Tseng et al., 1968). Melanosis is marked by raindrop-shaped discolored spots, diffuse dark brown spots, or diffuse darkening and hardening (roughness) of the skin on the limbs and trunk (Nriagu et al., 2012). Keratosis may appear as a uniform thickening or as discrete nodules. Simple keratosis usually appears as bilateral thickening of the palms and soles, while in nodular keratosis, small protrusions appear on the palms and soles, with or without nodules on the dorsum of hands, feet, or legs (Mazumder et al., 1998a; Naujokas et al., 2013; Ratnaike, 2003). Keratosis is the most frequent manifestation preceding transformation into arsenic-related skin cancer. Hyperkeratosis is defined as extensively thickened keratosis easily visible from a distance (Breton et al., 2007). Leukomelanosis (hypopigmentation) is the alternate darkened light spots present anywhere on the body, while pigmentation occurs as diffuse dark brown spots, or less discrete diffuse darkening of the skin, or has a characteristic rain drop appearance (Mazumder et al., 2010; Naujokas et al., 2013; Smith et al., 2000b). Pigmentation and keratotic lesions are the most common health effects found in populations exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water in Taiwan, Chile, and Argentina (Figure 4.3).
Geo-spatial distribution of arsenic contamination of groundwater resources in intricate crystalline aquifer system of Central India: Arsenic toxicity manifestation and health risk assessment
Published in Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 2021
Rambabu Singh, Anadi Gayen, Suresh Kumar, R. Dewangan
In general, the commonly reported symptoms of chronic arsenic exposures are melanosis (hyperpigmentation, depigmentation etc.), keratosis, Gangrene, peripheral vascular disorder, skin cancer and a number of internal cancers (Das et al. 2009; Wu et al. 2019). The most commonly manifested disease is skin lesions. Melanosis and keratosis are considered as the first and second stages of arsenicosis, which may turn into skin cancer if arsenic ingestion continues (Bulka et al. 2016). However, no relationship between arsenicosis and the average arsenic content of drinking water was found. The regional variation in the prevalence of arsenicosis is prominent. In view of this, a field survey conducted in arsenic affected villages of Kaudikasa (S6) and Sansaitola (S26) and persons with arsenic toxicity manifestation are identified in two different categories:
Assessment of heavy metals around Abakaliki metropolis and potential bioaccumulation and biochemical effects on the liver, kidney, and erythrocyte of rats
Published in Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 2018
Azubuike Peter Ebokaiwe, Omaka Ndukaku Omaka, Uchechukwu Okorie, Obinna Oje, Chima Egedeigwe, Amobi Ekwe, Nnaemeka Joshua Nnaji
A toxic metalloid of global concern, arsenic, originates geogenically but intensified by human activities such as pesticide applications and wood preservatives, mining and smelting operations, and coal combustion. Chronic arsenic poisoning are reported to cause serious health effects such as cancers, melanosis (hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation), hyperkeratosis (hardened skin), restrictive lung disease, peripheral vascular disease (blackfoot disease), gangrene, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease (Ötleş and Çağındı 2010). Some industrial processes such as manufacture of plastics, brazing, nuclear and electronic engineering, pigment manufacture, battery production, steel plating and alloy manufacture find wide applications of cadmium. However, cadmium is nephrotoxic (Prozialeck and Edwards 2012) and causes renal stone formation (Thomas et al.2013). Lead is a non-essential element found vital in industrial activities such as smelting, painting, plumbing, printing (Tong et al. 2000) and highly discouraged petrol production. Exposure to high levels damage the nervous system, kidneys, and blood but at low levels, haeme synthesis and other biochemical processes are affected, imparing psychological and neurobehavioural functions (Tong et al.2000). Nickel deficiency symptoms are not expected in animals and humans seemingly due to abundant nickel offer. Nickel importance lies in the area of toxicology and its excess depletes zinc availability drastically (Anke et al. 1995). Selenium is an essential trace mineral found useful: as an antioxidant, in the production of active thyroid hormone as a catalyst, in the proper functioning of the immune system as it counteracts the development of HIV harmfulness and inhibits progression to AIDS, reduces miscarriage risks and enhances sperm motility (Rayman 2000). However, selenium is toxic at high concentrations. It is known that environmental pollution by selenium is by weathering of parent rocks, volcanic activities, fertilizer use, sewage sludge, farmyard manure, coal combustion, and crude oil processing (Saha et al.2017). Vanadium is a transition metal with insulin-mimetic properties, which has its derivatives found to impact cholesterol, glucose, and triacylglycerols levels without harmful side effects upon prolonged administration and its compounds possess antitumor and carcinogenic properties. Vanadium is exposed to the air and soil at pollution levels from combustion of fossil fuels, industrial activities such as crude oil refinery (Nadal et al.2004) and leaching into surrounding water bodies from water bearing rocks (Wright and Belitz 2010).