The association between arsenic exposure from drinking water and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in southwestern Taiwan-a 12-year perspective study

摘要

The association of arsenic exposure with respiratory diseases has never been reported in Taiwan. The aim of this study is examining the dose-response relationship between ingested arsenic and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) in southwestern Taiwan where well arsenic ranged 350-1,140 μg/L. A total of 1,892 residents were followed from 1998 to 2009. The disease status was ascertained through linkage with Taiwan National Health Insurance database. Cox regression analysis was used to determine the hazard ratio of the disease associated with arsenic exposure. The dose-response relationship between Cumulative Arsenic Exposure (CAE) and COPD was observed after considering age, sex, education level, body mass index, cigarette smoking and hypertension. Hazard ratio was 1.00, 1.11 (95%CI, 0.50-2.47). 1.95 (95%CI, 1.06-3.60), 2.14 (95%CI, 1.18-3.87) in relation to CAE<1000, 1000-9999, 10000-19999, 20000+μg/L~*years. Bowen's diseases are an independent factor for COPD, associated with 70% increased disease risk after considering individual's arsenic exposure.