Health Effects of Arsenic
Consuming water contaminated by arsenic can cause skin and bladder cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease.
Some research concludes that even at the lower concentrations, arsenic contamination is a major causes of death. A study conducted in a contiguous six-county area of southeastern Michigan investigated the relationship between moderate arsenic levels and 23 selected disease outcomes. Disease outcomes included several types of cancer, diseases of the circulatory and respiratory system, diabetes mellitus, and kidney and liver diseases. Elevated mortality rates were observed for all diseases of the circulatory system. The researchers acknowledged a need to replicate their findings.
A preliminary study shows a relationship between arsenic exposure measured in urine and Type II diabetes. The results supported the hypothesis that low levels of exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water may play a role in diabetes prevalence.
Arsenic in drinking water may also compromise immune function "Scientists link influenza A (H1N1) susceptibility to common levels of arsenic exposure". http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-05/mbl-sli052009.php..
Read more about this topic: Arsenic Contamination Of Groundwater
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