Arsenic Exposure And Health Effects

The Society of Environmental Geochemistry and Health (SEGH) Second International Conference on Arsenic Exposure and Health Effects was held June 12-14, 1995 in San Diego, California. The conference was at tended by 152 people who heard 41 presentations on all aspects of arsenic research. The speakers represented 14 countries. Approximately 40 of the participants and speakers were from countries other than the US. The participants represented government, academia, industry and the interested public. The sponsorship ofthe conference is a good indicationofthe wide spread interest in the subject and the meeting. The sponsors, in addition to SEGH, were the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO), the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AWWARF), Kennecott Corporation, the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO), and the International Council on Metals in the Environment (ICME). The funding was split approximately equally between industry (including industrial organizations such as EPRI) and government. In addition to the many fine presentations, the meeting provided a forum for scientists from different countries to compare experiences and share information. It also provided a forum for the discussion of both scientific and policy issues between representatives of various governmental bodies (at the local, state, and federal level) and representatives of various indus trial organizations. These discussions occurred both in the formal meetings and informal settings during the meeting.

Having safe drinking water is important to all Americans. The Environmental Protection Agency's decision in the summer of 2001 to delay implementing a new, more stringent standard for the maximum allowable level for arsenic in drinking water generated a great deal of criticism and controversy. Ultimately at issue were newer data on arsenic beyond those that had been examined in a 1999 National Research Council report. EPA asked the National Research Council for an evaluation of the new data available. The committee's analyses and conclusions are presented in Arsenic in Drinking Water: 2001 Update. New epidemiological studies are critically evaluated, as are new experimental data that provide information on how and at what level arsenic in drinking water can lead to cancer. The report's findings are consistent with those of the 1999 report that found high risks of cancer at the previous federal standard of 50 parts per billion. In fact, the new report concludes that men and women who consume water containing 3 parts per billion of arsenic daily have about a 1 in 1,000 increased risk of developing bladder or lung cancer during their lifetime.

The authoritative articles in this book represent the state-of-the-art in arsenic research. Arsenic experts from around the world - participants in the Fifth International Conference on Arsenic Exposure and Health Effects organized by the Society for Environmental Geochemistry and Health in 2002 - present their critical findings. The authors share their latest arsenic research findings in Occurrence, Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Animal Models, Mode of Action, Mode of Action, Risk Estimation, Intervention and Medical Treatment, and Water Treatment and Remediation. As in past conferences, the first report of elevated arsenic exposures in a new country was given. The Conference introduced the finding of arsenic contamination in Nepal and updates of the arsenic problems in Bangladesh, India, Vietnam are included. A vital contribution to arsenic study and policy making, this volume examines the global impact of the toxin and discusses arsenic in the environment, mechanisms of arsenic metabolism and carcinogenesis, water treatment technology, and medical care. Arsenic Exposure and Health Effects V offers informed, challenging insights into a highly important and controversial topic.

Throughout history, arsenic has been used as an effective and lethal poison. Today, arsenic continues to present a real threat to human health all over the world, as it contaminates groundwater and food supplies. Handbook of Arsenic Toxicology presents the latest findings on arsenic, its chemistry, its sources and its acute and chronic effects on the environment and human health. The book takes readings systematically through the target organs, before detailing current preventative and counter measures. This reference enables readers to effectively assess the risks related to arsenic, and provide a comprehensive look at arsenic exposure, toxicity and toxicity prevention. Brings together current findings on the effects of arsenic on the environment and human health Includes state-of-the-art techniques in arsenic toxicokinetics, speciation and molecular mechanisms Provides all the information needed for effective risk assessment, prevention and countermeasure

Having safe drinking water is important to all Americans. The Environmental Protection Agency's decision in the summer of 2001 to delay implementing a new, more stringent standard for the maximum allowable level for arsenic in drinking water generated a great deal of criticism and controversy. Ultimately at issue were newer data on arsenic beyond those that had been examined in a 1999 National Research Council report. EPA asked the National Research Council for an evaluation of the new data available. The committee's analyses and conclusions are presented in Arsenic in Drinking Water: 2001 Update. New epidemiological studies are critically evaluated, as are new experimental data that provide information on how and at what level arsenic in drinking water can lead to cancer. The report's findings are consistent with those of the 1999 report that found high risks of cancer at the previous federal standard of 50 parts per billion. In fact, the new report concludes that men and women who consume water containing 3 parts per billion of arsenic daily have about a 1 in 1,000 increased risk of developing bladder or lung cancer during their lifetime.

The authoritative articles in this book represent the state-of-the-art in arsenic research. Arsenic experts from around the world - participants in the Fifth International Conference on Arsenic Exposure and Health Effects organized by the Society for Environmental Geochemistry and Health in 2002 - present their critical findings. The authors share their latest arsenic research findings in Occurrence, Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Animal Models, Mode of Action, Mode of Action, Risk Estimation, Intervention and Medical Treatment, and Water Treatment and Remediation. As in past conferences, the first report of elevated arsenic exposures in a new country was given. The Conference introduced the finding of arsenic contamination in Nepal and updates of the arsenic problems in Bangladesh, India, Vietnam are included. A vital contribution to arsenic study and policy making, this volume examines the global impact of the toxin and discusses arsenic in the environment, mechanisms of arsenic metabolism and carcinogenesis, water treatment technology, and medical care. Arsenic Exposure and Health Effects V offers informed, challenging insights into a highly important and controversial topic.

Arsenic Pollution summarizes the most current research on the distribution and causes of arsenic pollution, its impact on health and agriculture, and solutions by way of water supply, treatment, and water resource management. Provides the first global and interdisciplinary account of arsenic pollution occurrences Integrates geochemistry, hydrology, agriculture, and water supply and treatment for the first time Options are highlighted for developing alternative water sources and methods for arsenic testing and removal Appeals to specialists in one discipline seeking an overview of the work being done in other disciplines

This book provides valuable new insights into preventive measures for chronic arsenic poisoning, exploring the various causes, metabolism and toxicity, preventive drugs, functional foods and various methods for removing arsenic from contaminated water. The mechanisms of chronic arsenic poisoning vary between countries and regions, and the pathological difference, though reported on, is still only poorly understood. As large-scale chronic arsenic poisoning is concentrated in Asia, the contributions in this book were written by pioneers from Asia. Further, the management of removed arsenic has not yet become standardized, and this volume will serve as a vital source of new ideas by highlighting significant detoxification methods aimed at the disposal of arsenic. Arsenic Contamination in Asia represents a valuable sourcebook for scientists working in the fields of environmental health, occupational health, environmental science, fisheries science, agriculture, pharmacy, analytical chemistry, and clinical medicine. Also, beginning researchers, seasoned experts, and students who are seeking comprehensive information on the natural sciences including medicine will find this work thought-provoking, instructive and informative.