 |
|
Risk for skin lesions increases with low-dose exposure to arsenic in drinking water
June 15, 2006Mailman School of Public Health study provides evidence that a population exposed to well water with arsenic concentrations of as little as 50 ug/l is at risk for skin lesions
Millions of persons around the world are exposed to low doses of arsenic through drinking water. However, up until now estimates of the health effects associated with low-dose exposure had been based on research from high-dose levels. In a study of more than 11,000 people in Bangladesh, research conducted by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health clearly provides evidence that a population exposed to well water with arsenic concentrations of as little as 50 ug/l is at risk for skin lesions. The report also concludes that older, male, and thinner participants were more likely to be affected by arsenic exposure.
The Mailman School team of researchers evaluated the relationship between arsenic exposure from drinking water and premalignant skin lesions over the course of three years. Participants were evaluated for arsenic exposure based on well-water arsenic concentration and usage. "Because of the wide range of arsenic exposure in the study population and the relatively large sample size, we were able to estimate and report dose-response relations even at the very low end of the arsenic exposure range. In particular, arsenic exposure seems to increase the risk of skin lesions at the low end of exposure in this population," said Habibul Ahsan, M.D., MMedSc, associate professor and director of the Center for Genetics in Epidemiology in the Department of Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health and principal investigator.
The researchers indicate that a unique opportunity exists in Bangladesh to study chronic arsenic exposure measured at the individual level, because the majority of the population uses a single well as their primary source of drinking water, while, for example, in the United States, people usually drink water from multiple sources. However, up until now even assessments at the individual level were extremely difficult because exposures measurements were from years past or the Bangladeshi population drank water from multiple sources.
Another obvious difference between the rural population of Bangladesh and other studied populations is that this population consumes a large amount of water, as much as 2.5—3 liters per day on average vs. 1 liter in the United States. Moreover, almost 100 percent of the drinking water for this population comes from one or two wells with relatively stable concentrations of arsenic.
The team of researchers note that skin lesions were less of a factor in the study for females in the study, and this may be due to the tendency of women in rural Bangladesh tend to cover their bodies more extensively than men. "It also is possible that hormonal and other biologic differences between men and women also could be responsible for part of the gender differences in the skin lesion risks," observed Joseph Graziano, Ph.D., Mailman School associate dean for research, professor of Pharmacology & Public Health, and professor of Environmental Health Sciences.
The study also found some evidence that participants with a higher body mass index were at lower risk of skin lesions than participants with a lower body mass index. "Lower body mass index reflects poorer nutritional status in rural Bangladesh, which could directly or indirectly influence the effect of arsenic. In particular, poor nutritional status may be associated with lower intake of the antioxidants, folates, and/or dietary proteins necessary for metabolism and detoxification of arsenic in the body, said Dr. Ahsan." The influence by gender, age and body mass should be considered in future research and policy decisions.\\\
Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health
The researchers indicate that a unique opportunity exists in Bangladesh to study chronic arsenic exposure measured at the individual level, because the majority of the population uses a single well as their primary source of drinking water, while, for example, in the United States, people usually drink water from multiple sources. However, up until now even assessments at the individual level were extremely difficult because exposures measurements were from years past or the Bangladeshi population drank water from multiple sources.
Another obvious difference between the rural population of Bangladesh and other studied populations is that this population consumes a large amount of water, as much as 2.5—3 liters per day on average vs. 1 liter in the United States. Moreover, almost 100 percent of the drinking water for this population comes from one or two wells with relatively stable concentrations of arsenic.
The team of researchers note that skin lesions were less of a factor in the study for females in the study, and this may be due to the tendency of women in rural Bangladesh tend to cover their bodies more extensively than men. "It also is possible that hormonal and other biologic differences between men and women also could be responsible for part of the gender differences in the skin lesion risks," observed Joseph Graziano, Ph.D., Mailman School associate dean for research, professor of Pharmacology & Public Health, and professor of Environmental Health Sciences.
The study also found some evidence that participants with a higher body mass index were at lower risk of skin lesions than participants with a lower body mass index. "Lower body mass index reflects poorer nutritional status in rural Bangladesh, which could directly or indirectly influence the effect of arsenic. In particular, poor nutritional status may be associated with lower intake of the antioxidants, folates, and/or dietary proteins necessary for metabolism and detoxification of arsenic in the body, said Dr. Ahsan." The influence by gender, age and body mass should be considered in future research and policy decisions.\\\
Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health
Arsenic Current Events and Arsenic News RSSAnswering that age-old lament: Where does all this dust come from?
Where does it come from? Scientists in Arizona are reporting a surprising answer to that question, which has puzzled and perplexed generations of men and women confronted with layers of dust on furniture and floors.
Geologists studying groundwater arsenic levels in India empower Bengali women, children
A Kansas State University geologist and graduate student are finding that the most important tools in their fieldwork on groundwater arsenic pollution are women and children armed with pamphlets and testing kits.
New X-ray technique illuminates reactivity of environmental contaminants
A chemical reaction can occur in the blink of an eye.
Water quality in orbit
Space is not a fun place to get a stomach bug. To ensure drinking water is adequately disinfected, University of Utah chemists developed a two-minute water quality monitoring method that just started six months of tests aboard the International Space Station.
People vary widely in ability to eliminate arsenic from the body
Large variations exist in peoples' ability to eliminate arsenic from the body, according to a new study that questions existing standards for evaluating the human health risks from the potentially toxic substance.
Finding key to cancer drug Gleevec's limitations
University of Michigan researchers have developed an animal model that provides strong evidence why imatinib, marketed as Gleevec, helps patients with chronic myeloid leukemia survive longer, but does not keep the disease from returning if treatment ends.
Silicon with afterburners: Process developed at Rice could be boon to electronics manufacturer
Scientists at Rice University and North Carolina State University have found a method of attaching molecules to semiconducting silicon that may help manufacturers reach beyond the current limits of Moore's Law as they make microprocessors both smaller and more powerful.
Superconductivity: Which one of these is not like the other?
Superconductivity appears to rely on very different mechanisms in two varieties of iron-based superconductors.
Prairie dogs: influencing the accumulation of metals in plants?
Prairie dogs may seem like harmless little creatures, but they can inflict serious injury on plants simply by snacking on them. Plants cannot flee from their furry predators, so how do they avoid becoming a prairie dog's lunch?
Study shows transfer of heavy metals from water to fish in Huelva estuary
A team of researchers from the University of Cadiz has confirmed that zinc, copper and lead are present at high levels in the water and sediments of the Huelva estuary, and have studied how some of these heavy metals are transferred to fish.
More Arsenic Current Events and Arsenic News Articles
 |
Arsenic and Old Lace Starring: Cary Grant, Priscilla Lane, Raymond Massey, Jack Carson, Edward Everett Horton Directed By: Frank Capra Also With: Sol Polito (Cinematographer), Frank Capra (Producer), Daniel Mandell (Editor), Jack L. Warner (Producer), Joseph Kesselring (Writer), Julius J. Epstein (Writer), Philip G. Epstein (Writer) You'll die laughing! Frank Capra directs Cary Grant, Raymond Massey, Peter Lorre and stellar cast in the hit Broadway farce about a nutcase family with well-intentioned homicidal tendencies. |
 |
Arsenic: Environmental Chemistry, Health Threats and Waste Treatment by Kevin Henke (Author) This book presents an overview of the chemistry, geology, toxicology and environmental impacts of arsenic, presenting information on relatively common arsenic minerals and their key properties. In addition, it includes discussions on the environmental impacts of the release of arsenic from mining and coal combustion. Although the environmental regulations of different nations vary and change over time, prominent International, North American, and European guidelines and regulations on arsenic will be reviewed. Includes information on recent environmental catastrophes (e.g. Bangladesh and China) A thorough discussion of the arsenic cycle, including the cosmological origin of arsenic Includes Appendices providing extensive glossary and measurement... |
 |
Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) - 11 x 17 - Style A by Pop Culture Graphics 11" x 17" high quality reproduction poster by Pop Culture Graphics. Printed in the USA. Perfect for framing. |
 |
TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: Comedy (Arsenic and Old Lace / A Night at the Opera / The Long Long Trailer / Father of the Bride 1950) Starring: Cary Grant, Marx Brothers, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Spencer Tracy ARSENIC AND OLD LACE Cary Grant and a stellar cast romp through this classic farce based on the Broadway hit and breezily directed by Frank Capra. A frazzled drama critic’s two maiden aunts put a secret ingredient in their elderberry wine – and the resulting circus is howlingly hilarious, with a comically rubber-faced, rubber-legged Grant in the center ring. A NIGHT AT THE OPERA Grand opera equals grand comedy as the Marx Brothers cram a ship’s stateroom and more with wall-to-wall gags, one-liners, musical riffs and two hard-boiled eggs – all while skewering pompous schemes to sabotage an opera production. “Arguably their finest film” (4 Star Rating! - Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide). THE LONG, LONG TRAILER Anyone know how to park this thing? Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz play... |
 |
Boiron - Natrum Arsenic.30c, 75 pellets by Boiron |
 |
Lady Sniper Arsenic (Performer) Band from south-west of France, ARSENIC plays melodic speed-metal in the vein of ADX or KILLERS. Bruno DOLHEGUY, leader of the latter, produced all albums released by the group. "Etats D'Urgences" (1998) and "Degradence" (2000) follow the same path as "Lady Sniper" (1996), showing melodic speed-metal dominated by agressive vocals, an efficient rhythm section and a guitar duo performing powerful riffs. Let's note that the first album includes one title in basque language. The strongest points of this band are their light heavy-metal, vigorous rhythms and catchy melodies. Not to be missed ! |
 |
Arsenic and Old Lace Starring: Cary Grant, Josephine Hull, Jean Adair, Raymond Massey, Peter Lorre Directed By: Frank Capra Also With: Frank Capra (Producer), Jack L. Warner (Producer) |
![Arsenic & Old Lace [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TEDQAECHL._SL160_.jpg) |
Arsenic & Old Lace [VHS] Starring: Cary Grant, Josephine Hull, Jean Adair, Raymond Massey, Peter Lorre Directed By: Frank Capra Frank Capra made this film in 1941 before he went off to make films for America's war effort, but it wasn't released until 1944. Adapted from the hit play by Joseph Kesselring, this frantic black comedy shows Capra at his best as a master of mood and timing. Actresses Josephine Hull and Jean Adair reprise their Broadway performances as two gentle old ladies who poison men with elderberry wine to put them out of their misery. Cary Grant plays one nephew, a normal guy who just gets wind of their little hobby and tries to get them to stop, while Raymond Massey plays another, a villain just escaped from jail. Capra encourages the cast, especially Grant, to give a somewhat more outsized performance than one might expect. But made during the war years as it was, this overstated comic approach... |
 |
Environmental Chemistry of Arsenic (Books in Soils, Plants, and the Environment) by William T. Frankenberger Jr (Editor) Details the latest advances in the prevention and control of arsenic and arsenic compounds in the air, soil, and water and offers the most recent and analytical methods for the detection and study of arsenic in the environment and human body. |
 |
Arsenic Seba & Krazy (Primary Contributor) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |