A review of arsenic poisoning and its effects on human health

The incidence of arsenic contamination of ground water used for both irriga tion as well as for human consumption or industrial activities has taken th e dimension of an epidemiological problem. It has been established that ino rganic arsenic is extremely toxic, both acute and chronic. Initially, it en ters into the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption. After entering into the body it is distributed in a large number of organs , including the lungs, liver, kidney, and skin. The clinical manifestations of arsenic poisoning are myriad, and the correct diagnosis depends largely on awareness of the problem. It is very difficult to diagnose early sympto ms of arsenicosis because such nonspecific symptoms may also be present in many other diseases. Medicine used for the remedy of arsenicosis has been f ound to be unsatisfactory by repeated application and experience. Melanosis may disappear but keratosis is not altered, although it can prevent furthe r complication. Once the complication (malignancy) has developed using medi cine may not prevent it. The symptoms and signs of arsenic poisoning may be reduced if the quality of drinking water was improved. Arsenic-free water or a decrease in the arsenic level in the drinking water source is essentia l for overall development.