Arsenicosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Health Effects of Chronic Arsenic Exposure
What Is Arsenicosis?
A chronic condition from long-term exposure to arsenic—a toxic metalloid found in contaminated water, food, air, or soil. Exposure routes: ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact.
Systemic Manifestations
Skin
- Hyper/hypopigmentation (raindrop pattern).
- Hyperkeratosis (palms/soles).
- Skin cancers (Bowen's disease, basal/squamous cell carcinoma).
Gastrointestinal
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Increased risk of liver, bladder, and gastrointestinal cancers.
Respiratory
- Chronic cough, bronchitis, airway irritation.
- Elevated lung cancer risk.
Liver & Kidneys
- Hepatomegaly, fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Renal tubular damage, chronic kidney disease.
Nervous System
- Peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, weakness).
- Encephalopathy (headaches, confusion, memory loss).
Cardiovascular
- Hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease.
Other
- Anemia (bone marrow suppression).
- Developmental/reproductive toxicity.
Key Takeaway
Symptoms depend on dose, duration, and individual susceptibility. Early detection, exposure cessation, and chelation (in acute cases) improve outcomes. Regular monitoring is essential for at-risk populations.
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