Chronic arsenic poisoning in China caused by intake of high arsenic in drinking water and in dried local staple foodsrnaffects millions of inhabitants in vast rural areas resulting in endemic arsenicosis since 1950’s with tens of thousands ofrnconfirmed arsenicosis patients.The Chinese government adopts a twofold approach to eliminate sources of arsenic intake.rnThese are:-early detection and prevention;and provision of alternative arsenic-safe water supply and improved stovesrnto affected areas and families.Follow up studies indicate that consumption of arsenic-safe water could gradually improvernsymptoms of arsenicosis after 6 and 18 months.However,long term continuous cancerization of organs in arsenicosisrnpatients requires close follow-up and research studies need urgently to be carried out.
展开▼
