77 million Bangladeshis exposed to arsenic

Arsenic poisoning affects millions of Bangladeshis. A new collaborative study between US and Bangladeshi scientists, just published in the British medical journal The Lancet, has revealed more clearly the devastating effects in Bangladesh of arsenic that is present in well waters across the country. Although naturally occurring in the soils and rocks of the region, the highly toxic substance began affecting drinking water when many wells were dug in the 1970s in what was regarded then as a promising alternative to contaminated surface water. However, having studied close to 12,000 residents of the Dhaka administrative division over the past decade, the researchers concluded that up to 77 million people, or half the population, have been exposed to the toxic substance, with some estimates being even higher. Corresponding mortality rates were also severely affected, with the highest arsenic blood levels raising the risk of death by 70%. The study also found that a full one in five deaths was directly related to arsenic poisoning. These ultimately lethal effects of chronic arsenic exposure are long-term and do not diminish for some 20 years. The researchers have thus stated their hope for soon remedies, among which are filters that can eliminate the risk of contamination.
We are grateful, US and Bangladeshi scientists for these revealing facts, despite their tragic implications, as we also thank the inventors working to provide effective filtration systems. Our prayers for the soon halt to the loss of cherished lives and that the kind-hearted people of Bangladesh and everywhere in the world are graced with safe access to the necessary resource of water.

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