Carcinogenic arsenic in water: 50 million at risk in rural India

Studies have shown that an estimated 300 million people worldwide spanning 108 countries are affected by arsenic (chemical element) contamination in groundwater. That is to say, these people are drinking water which contains arsenic concentration beyond the maximum permissible limit of 10 ppb recommended by the World Health Organization. These catastrophic numbers have led WHO to declare that

“arsenic poisoning as a biggest mass poisoning in the history of humanity.”

In India, the menace spans several states, with the central government accepting in the parliament that 150 districts of 21 states have arsenic levels higher than the safety limit (March 2022). Some of the most densely populated states of the country-- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam and West Bengal-- are also the worst affected states. However, experts and volunteer organisations say the situation is more acute than what the government data claims. Studies have shown that a population over 50 million is currently at risk from groundwater arsenic contamination in India, especially in the Ganga River basin. 

Causes for arsenic contamination

 Speaking to The Caravan in its recently released documentary, the head of research of Mahavir Cancer Institute of Patna Dr Ashok Ghosh says that, most of the arsenic that is seen in the Ind0-Gangetic plains is also geogenic. His statement affirms research that suggests that more than 90% of arsenic pollution worldwide is geogenic i.e. resulting from geological processes.

He adds that, the Himalayan rivers bring silt to the plains which carry a lot of minerals. Amongst them, one particular mineral called arsenopyrite. This mineral is a combination of arsenic and iron and is insoluble in water is also carried and gets deposited in the groundwater.

Dr Arun Kumar of the same institute further explains that, when groundwater levels decrease below the handpump range, oxygen and other atmospheric gases react with arsenopyrite. Post-reaction, it gets split into arsenic, ferrous and sulphur. When groundwater is recharged, the water resulting from this reaction appears red due to discolouration because of the presence of iron. However, the presence of arsenic is not realised unless tested using specialised kits. This happens primarily because it is colourless, tasteless and odourless. Hence, people continue to drink it for ages resulting in multiple ailments and even deaths. 

Research also suggests that this contamination is mostly seen in shallow aquifers (a body of porous rock or sediment saturated with groundwater), with deep aquifers being largely arsenic-free. It is worth noting here that rural areas draw water largely from shallow aquifers using handpumps. 

Impact on Human Health

WHO stipulates that inorganic arsenic is the most significant chemical contaminant in drinking water globally. It is highly toxic, the long-term exposure to it can lead to devastating consequences for human health. It is also a confirmed carcinogen i.e. it causes cancer

The first symptoms of long-term exposure to drinking water with high levels of arsenic manifest themselves in the form of pigmentation changes, skin lesions and hard patches on the palms and soles of the feet (called hyperkeratosis). This is also considered a precursor to skin cancer.

According to The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), it can also cancers of the bladder and lungs and kidney diseases. Furthermore, other adverse health effects that may be associated with long-term ingestion of inorganic arsenic include developmental effects, diabetes, pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease.

A particularly concerning fact is the association between arsenic and adverse pregnancy outcomes, as well as infant mortality rates. Furthermore, the detrimental impact it has on child health is also alarming. Multiple studies have indicated that exposure to arsenic during pregnancy and early childhood can lead to elevated mortality rates among young adults. These individuals are at higher risk of developing various cancers, lung disease, heart attacks, and kidney failure. Furthermore, arsenic exposure has been shown to have detrimental effects on cognitive development, intelligence, and memory.

Conclusion

Arsenic contamination received widespread media attention when it was discovered on a large scale in West Bengal and Bangladesh in the 1980s. Then, extensive research and mitigation initiatives were taken. Furthermore, gradually arsenic contamination and its extent in other states and regions of the country was also established. News Laundary’s talk with villagers in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh suggest blatant apathy on the part of officials and local government doctors. Additionally, their unwillingness to accept arsenic contamination as the root cause of several illnesses plaguing the people. Despite its ghastly impact, however, India lacks a dedicated water program that deals with arsenic contamination effectively.

Under Jal Jeevan Mission, up to 2% of the annual allocation to States/ UTs can be utilized for Water Quality Monitoring & Surveillance activities). This fund goes into setting up and strengthening water quality testing laboratories, surveillance by the community using field test kits, awareness generation and educational programmes on water quality, etc. But, this is grossly inadequate for a menace of this stature that is likely to show its full wrath as years of exposure start translating into irrevocable diseases.

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