Acute arsenic intoxication from environmental arsenic exposure

Journal Article · Wed Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1989 · Archives of Environmental Health; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00039896.1989.9935912· OSTI ID:7167245

Franzblau, A; Lilis, R ^[1]

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1. Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY (USA)

Reports of acute arsenic poisoning arising from environmental exposure are rare. Two cases of acute arsenic intoxication resulting from ingestion of contaminated well water are described. These patients experienced a variety of problems: acute gastrointestinal symptoms, central and peripheral neurotoxicity, bone marrow suppression, hepatic toxicity, and mild mucous membrane and cutaneous changes. Although located adjacent to an abandoned mine, the well water had been tested for microorganisms only and was found to be safe. Regulations for testing of water from private wells for fitness to drink are frequently nonexistent, or only mandate biologic tests for microorganisms. Well water, particularly in areas near mining activity, should be tested for metals.

• OSTI ID: 7167245
• Journal Information: Archives of Environmental Health; (USA), Vol. 44:6; ISSN 0003-9896
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ARSENIC
TOXICITY
DRINKING WATER
CONTAMINATION
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
MAN
WATER POLLUTION
WATER SUPPLY
ANIMALS
ELEMENTS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MAMMALS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
PRIMATES
SEMIMETALS
VERTEBRATES
WATER
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology