Arsenic Poisoning

Arsenic Poisoning

Arsenic poisoning is the harmful effects of various arsenic compounds on body tissues and functions. Arsenic is a poison. Recently it has become a cause of alarm as it has been detected in the water of many tube-wells throughout the country. By taking water having high degree of arsenic we get poisoned slowly. It may take several months or year before the symptoms of arsenic poisoning become evident.

Generally arsenic is used in numerous products, including insect, rodent, and weed killers, some chemotherapeutic agents, and certain paints wallpaper, and ceramics.

Arsenic poisoning in humans most often results from the ingestion or inhalation of insecticides containing arsenious oxide, copper acetoarsenite, or calcium or lead arsenate. Exposure may be accidental, especially among children or may be an occupational hazard, especially among agricultural workers handling insecticidal sprays and dusts. The sprayed fruits and vegetables, if not washed, may also bear enough arsenic to be potentially toxic to the consumer. Among industrial workers, arsenic may also bear enough arsenic to be potentially toxic to the consumer. Among industrial workers, arsenic may be a source of accidental poisoning. Poisoning may also result from prolonged treatment with such medications as Fowler’s solution and arsphenamine. Arsenic is believed to exert its toxicity by combining with certain enzymes, thereby interfering with cellular metabolism. Poisoning may result from a single large dose or from repeated small doses. In Bangladesh, the main cause of arsenic poisoning is drinking tube-well water having a high degree of arsenic.

Symptoms of acute poisoning from swallowing arsenic include nausea, vomiting, burning, of the mouth and throat, and severe abdominal pains. It may cause circulatory collapse followed by death within a few hours. Other effects are destruction of red blood cells and damage to the kidneys. Chronic exposure to arsenic results in gradual loss of strength, diarrhea or constipation, pigmentation and scaling of the skin etc. It may also harm the nervous system of a person causing paralysis and confusion. There may also be degeneration of fatty tissue; anemia; and the development of characteristic streaks across the fingernails.

Diagnosis of arsenic poisoning is based on the finding of arsenic in the urine and in hair or nails of the victim.

The government has already taken steps to tackle this problem. Tube-wells having arsenic polluted water have already been painted red. We should avoid drinking water from those tube wells. Besides, we can drink pond water and river water after purification. Rainwater is also free from arsenic. By drinking arsenic-free water we can remain safe from arsenic.