Arsenic contamination of groundwater: a Bangladesh survey

A series of surveys has been conducted in two rural communities of northeastern Bangladesh where a nationwide contamination of groundwater by geologically originated arsenic has been reported. The arsenic concentrations of the tubewell water (twAs), which has been used for drinking and cooking, varied considerably within the small geographical area, as did the urinary arsenic concentrations (uAs) of the villagers. The use of these variables as exposure indices will be discussed. By dermatological examination of the villagers, males were found to be more sensitive than females. Also, an intervillage difference in the severity of the skin manifestations was suggested. There was a slight difference in the excretion of two trace elements, Se and I, between the two communities. Possible roles of these micronutrients will be discussed.