Health Impacts of Arsenic Exposure and Regulations for Safe Drinking Water
摘要
Arsenic (As) occurrence in aqueous systems is a critical global health concern, affecting a vast population, particularly in areas dependent on groundwater sources. Persistent exposure to As for an extended period, even at trace level concentrations, is associated with numerous health issues affecting various organs and systems, including the cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, nervous, and respiratory systems. The cumulative nature of arsenic exposure intensifies the health risks, taking years or even decades for the manifestation of diseases. This chapter aims to elucidate the health-related concerns of arsenic toxicity, focusing on the factors that influence individual susceptibility. It also reviews global regulatory guidelines regarding arsenic concentration in drinking water. The need to enforce these regulations is thereby emphasized and the importance of continuous monitoring and preventive and control measures to prevent arsenic-related health issues is highlighted. Overall, the chapter discusses the urgent necessity for stringent regulations and effective public health measures in the context of arsenic exposure to ensure the availability of safe potable water and public well-being.