Endemic chronic arsenic poisoning - China

Chronic arsenic poisoning in China caused by intake of high arsenic in drinking water and in dried local staple foods affects millions of inhabitants in vast rural areas resulting in endemic arsenicosis since 1950’s with tens of thousands of confirmed arsenicosis patients. The Chinese government adopts a twofold approach to eliminate sources of arsenic intake. These are: - early detection and prevention; and provision of alternative arsenic-safe water supply and improved stoves to affected areas and families. Follow up studies indicate that consumption of arsenic-safe water could gradually improve symptoms of arsenicosis after 6 and 18 months. However, long term continuous cancerization of organs in arsenicosis patients requires close follow-up and research studies need urgently to be carried out.