Arsenic Contamination of water happens worldwide. In fact, after several issues reported from various countries, it has become a major global concern. The groundwater pollution occurs due to the naturally occurring high concentrations of arsenic in deeper levels of groundwater. It is a big problem due to the use of deep tube wells for water supply near the river plain regions.
Arsenic contamination causes serious arsenic poisoning to large numbers of people. In 2007, a Research study revealed that over 137 million people in more than 70 countries are affected by arsenic poisoning of drinking water.
According to scientist Ratnaike R, on entering the body “Arsenic exerts its toxicity by inactivating up to 200 enzymes, especially those involved in cellular energy pathways and DNA synthesis and repair.” Acute arsenic poisoning is associated with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and severe diarrhea. Chronic arsenic toxicity results in multisystem disease. Arsenic is a human carcinogen affecting numerous organs.
In a Research conducted by scientist Ratnaike in a district in Maharashtra, the probable number of people affected with arsenical skin lesion appears to be 0.14 million. In the arsenic affected villages, majority of the population were of low socio-economic status and inadequate education. Most of the victims were engaged in agricultural farming or physical labor. It was found that about 38% of the water sources were found to be contaminated with arsenic. Hence, there is an urgent need to make arrangement for accessibility of safe sources of water.
Moreover, many of the people in the affected regions are not aware of contamination of their home tube wells with arsenic. Checking Water Quality regularly and taking necessary steps help in maintaining sound health.
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