What is the best biomarker to assess arsenic exposure via water?

Micronuclei assay is the technique of choice to follow these populations, because it is sensitive and easy to use.

How do you test for arsenic exposure?

The most reliable way to test for recent arsenic exposure is through a urine test. If you had a fish meal or ate fish supplements within a few days of having a urine test, the test may show a high level of arsenic. This should not worry you because the fish arsenic has left your body through the urine.

What is the most important exposure route for arsenic?

Ingestion and inhalation are the most common routes of exposure to arsenic, and they are the routes that most commonly lead to illness. Dermal exposure may lead to illness, but to a lesser extent than ingestion or inhalation routes of exposure. The exposure dose is the cumulative exposure from all routes.

Can arsenic raise blood pressure?

Background: Exposure to inorganic arsenic has been identified as a risk factor for elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

What are biomarkers in geology?

“Biomarkers” or “chemical fossils” are organic compounds with a particular carbon skeleton that can be related to a known biological precursor. Some biomarkers are synthesized by a restricted number of organisms while others are widely distributed.

What is the toxicity of arsenic?

Arsenic is highly toxic in its inorganic form. Contaminated water used for drinking, food preparation and irrigation of food crops poses the greatest threat to public health from arsenic. Long-term exposure to arsenic from drinking-water and food can cause cancer and skin lesions.

How do scientists trace arsenic?

They require sending the sample to a testing laboratory. Measurement of arsenic in your urine is the most reliable means of detecting arsenic exposures that you experienced within the last several days. Most tests measure the total amount of arsenic present in your urine.

What is the main source of arsenic in ground water?

The major natural sources include geologic formations (e.g., sedimentary deposits/rocks, volcanic rocks and soils), geothermal activity, coal and volcanic activities. Geothermal water can be a source of inorganic arsenic in surface water and groundwater (Welch et al., 2000).

Which are sources of arsenic pollution?

Mining, metal smelting and burning of fossil fuels are the major industrial processes that contribute to arsenic contamination of air, water and soil. The use of arsenic-containing pesticides in the past has left large areas of agricultural land contaminated.

How does arsenic affect the heart?

In epidemiologic studies, high-chronic arsenic exposure has been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) [6, 7].

Does contaminated water cause high BP?

Adults who drink lead contaminated water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure. It is important to recognize all the ways a child can be exposed to lead.