The relationship of arsenic levels in drinking water and the prevalence rate of skin lesions in Bangladesh

To determine the relationship of arsenic-associated skin lesions and degree of arsenic exposure, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Bangladesh, where a large part of the population is exposed through drinking water. Fou r villages in Bangladesh were identified as mainly dependent on wells conta minated with arsenic. We interviewed and examined 1,481 subjects greater th an or equal to 30 years of age in these villages. A total of 430 subjects h ad skin lesions (keratosis, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation). Indivi dual exposure assessment could only be estimated by present levels and in t erms of a dose index, i.e., arsenic levels divided by individual body weigh t. Arsenic water concentrations ranged from 10 to 2,040 mu g/L, and the cru de overall prevalence rate for skin lesions was 29/100. After age adjustmen t to the world population the prevalence rare was 30.1/100 and 26.5/100 for males and females, respectively. There was a significant trend for the pre valence rate both in relation to exposure levels and to dose index (p < 0.0 5), regardless of sex. This study shows a higher prevalence rate of arsenic skin lesions in males than females, with clear dose-response relationship. The overall high prevalence rate in the studied villages is an alarming si gn of arsenic exposure and requires an urgent remedy.