Impact of Arsenic Exposure on Body Health

Arsenic is a natural substance that is widely distributed in the earth's crust. Chemically, arsenic is included in the heavy metal group. Even if natural, arsenic can cause various diseases if the body is exposed for a long time by these chemicals. Arsenic can be found in water, air, food, and soil. There are two types of arsenic, namely organic arsenic and inorganic arsenic. Organic arsenic is most often used as a raw material for making insecticides or eradicating pests and herbicides (weed killers). This organic arsenic is usually not toxic to humans, unless exposed to large amounts. Meanwhile, inorganic arsenic in low levels contained in soil, copper, tin ore, and water. This type of arsenic is far more dangerous compared to organic arsenic. Arsenic can be found in ground water, pesticides, wood preservatives, tobacco, volcanic eruptions, to the results of the mining process. Arsenic can also be found in foods, such as rice and fish, because of absorption from soil and water. Arsenic mostly enters the human body through consumption of food or water.

Danger Arsenic Exposure for Body Health

Exposed to arsenic in large or small amounts but often, not good for health. Some of the negative effects of arsenic for the body are:

• Causes cancer

Arsenic is associated as a cause of cancer in the skin, lungs, bladder, kidneys, and liver. Several studies have revealed that long-term arsenic exposure or large doses can increase the risk of lung cancer, skin cancer, prostate and bladder cancer, and liver cancer. This is thought to occur due to the toxic effect of arsenic on body cells.

• Interfere with the endocrine system

The researchers revealed that exposure to small amounts of arsenic can disrupt the endocrine system. In fact, the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in the body, plays a very important role in regulating growth, development, tissue function, metabolism, sexual function and reproductive processes, and mood.

• Cause diabetes

Some studies show an association between exposure to arsenic in small or large amounts with metabolic diseases, such as diabetes.

• Increase the risk of heart disease

Long-term exposure to arsenic is also thought to be related to the risk of heart disease. Research in Mongolia shows that those who are exposed to arsenic from water and food have a higher risk of heart disease. This is thought to be because the effects of arsenic can stimulate the blockage of heart arteries, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease.

• Interferes with the developing body and increases the risk of cancer in children

Arsenic can also affect children's health when they grow up. One study found an increase in the number of patients with lung cancer and bladder cancer in adults who were exposed to arsenic early in their lives. Exposure to arsenic in low or high doses can also increase the risk of early puberty, obesity, and disorders of the reproductive system. And did you know that arsenic also affects the ability of the child's brain? Research shows that elementary school students exposed to arsenic have lower IQ test results than students who are not exposed. Arsenic can be found in water that is used for drinking and cooking in their homes.

Arsenic poisoning can cause health complications, which if left untreated, can result in death. If you eat or drink something then suddenly feel a headache, drowsiness, severe diarrhea, dizziness, a taste of metal in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, convulsions, excessive sweating, vomiting, cramps, or urine mixed with blood, visit a doctor immediately or emergency department at the nearest hospital to get treatment.