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Arsenic in drinking water
Rezaul Morol, a young Bangladeshi man, nearly died from arsenic poisoning caused by drinking arsenic-laden well-water for several years. The doctor advised Rezaul to stop drinking contaminated water and eat more protein-rich food such as fish. Since then Rezaul feels a lot better and is happy that his skin is healing (Photo and original story: Asia Arsenic Network)
Arsenic in drinking-water is a hazard to human health. It has attracted much attention since recognition in the 1990s of its wide occurrence in well-water in Bangladesh. It occurs less extensively in many other countries also.
The main source of arsenic in drinking-water is arsenic-rich rocks through which the water has filtered. It may also occur because of mining or industrial activity in some areas.
WHO has worked with other UN-system organizations to produce a state-of-the-art review on arsenic in drinking-water.
You can link here to:
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Arsenic, drinking-water and health risk substitution in arsenic mitigation: A discussion paper
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Researchers warn of impending disaster from mass arsenic poisoning
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Towards an assessment of the socioeconomic impact of arsenic poisoning in Bangladesh
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Contamination of drinking-water by arsenic in Bangladesh: a public health emergency.
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Fact sheet on arsenic in drinking water
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Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality
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Arsenic, Environmental Health Criteria No. 224
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