Arsenic level in developed rich countries is 0.01ppm. The full form of ppm is parts per million. The average amount of arsenic in tube well water in different parts of Bangladesh is 0.25mgl. When people drink arsenic-contaminated water, it first enters the liver through the blood and the liver tries to convert the arsenic compound into a less toxic compound. That is why most of the arsenic taken with water is excreted in the urine through the kidneys. Some amount of arsenic accumulates in the skin, hair, nails and kidneys. Arsenicosis is not easily detected. Arsenic poisoning depends on the level of acetic acid in the water and the body's resistance to disease. Arsenic inactivates various enzymes and proteins in the human body. The process is done slowly; There is a lot of damage inside the body when it is visible on the hands and feet. Excessive arsenic intake can lead to blood and lung cancer. The end result of arsenicosis is cancer and death. Note that arsenicosis is not a contagious disease.Arsenic contamination data:
Chittagong (31%); Khulna (26%); Dhaka (23%); Rajshahi (9%); Sylhet (4%); Barisal (3%). Countries with arsenic problems. Bangladesh, India, Chile, Philippines, Argentina etc.
The most arsenic contaminated districts of Bangladesh are Faridpur, Kushtia, Jessore, Meherpur, Chuadanga, Jhenaidah, Gopalganj, Chandpur, Laxmipur, Noakhali, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Chapainawabganj, Rajshahi, Comilla, Narsingdi, Munshiganj, Manikganj etc. Arsenic contamination is highest in Samata village of Sharsha police station in Jessore district.
All the initiatives that need to be taken to be protected from arsenic contamination: 1. Drinking arsenic contaminated water should be avoided.
2. Alternative sources of water should be used and the water should be filtered and consumed.
3. We need to ensure arsenic-free water supply by inventing cheap and readily available technologies.
4. The use of deep tubewells should be increased instead of hand tubewells.
So, we have to be ware of arsenic poison.