Exposure to arsenic, a naturally occurring element, is linked to various adverse health effects, including many forms of cancer. People are commonly exposed to arsenic through contaminated food and water, which makes it a grave public health concern.
A 2020 study by Dr. Joel Podgorski found that up to 200 million individuals worldwide are exposed to arsenic through their drinking water. This exposure often exceeds the legal contamination limit of 10 parts per billion, as set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization.
Arsenic exposure has grown worldwide, affecting the United States, Spain, Mexico, Japan, India, China, Canada, Chile, Bangladesh, Bolivia, and Argentina. Due to the excessive and negative health impacts linked to arsenic, it is crucial to address this crisis with adaptive and applicable global practices to decrease exposure levels.
Arsenic can be absorbed through multiple routes, such as skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. It is commonly found in rice or rice-based products. A 2019 Consumer Reports study indicated that several large bottled water manufacturers in the United States continue to manufacture with levels of arsenic well above the legal limit.
High levels of arsenic can lead to DNA damage, disruption of signaling pathways, immune system impairments, and increased risk of multiple forms of cancer.
In mitigating the negative health impacts of arsenic, it is crucial for public health leaders to work to prevent and reduce exposure in common places, such as drinking water, food systems, and more.
By Justin Goldberg