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A Systematic Review of Arsenic Exposure and Its Social and Mental Health Effects with Special Reference to Bangladesh

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  • Johanna Brinkel

    (Department of Public Health Medicine, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany)

  • Mobarak H. Khan

    (Department of Public Health Medicine, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany)

  • Alexander Kraemer

    (Department of Public Health Medicine, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany)

Abstract

Undergroundwater in many regions of the world is contaminated with high concentrations of arsenic and the resulting toxicity has created a major environmental and public health problem in the affected regions. Chronic arsenic exposure can cause many diseases, including various physical and psychological harms. Although the physical problems caused by arsenic toxicity are well reported in literature, unfortunately the consequences of arsenic exposure on mental health are not adequately studied. Therefore we conducted a review of the available literature focusing on the social consequences and detrimental effects of arsenic toxicity on mental health. Chronic arsenic exposures have serious implications for its victims (i.e. arsenicosis patients) and their families including social instability, social discrimination, refusal of victims by community and families, and marriage-related problems. Some studies conducted in arsenic affected areas revealed that arsenic exposures are associated with various neurologic problems. Chronic arsenic exposure can lead to mental retardation and developmental disabilities such as physical, cognitive, psychological, sensory and speech impairments. As health is defined by the World Health Organization as “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing”, the social dimensions have a large impact on individual’s mental health. Furthermore studies in China und Bangladesh have shown that mental health problems (e.g. depression) are more common among the people affected by arsenic contamination. Our study indicates various neurological, mental and social consequences among arsenic affected victims. Further studies are recommended in arsenic-affected areas to understand the underlying mechanisms of poor mental health caused by arsenic exposure.

Suggested Citation

  • Johanna Brinkel & Mobarak H. Khan & Alexander Kraemer, 2009. "A Systematic Review of Arsenic Exposure and Its Social and Mental Health Effects with Special Reference to Bangladesh," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 6(5), pages 1-11, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:6:y:2009:i:5:p:1609-1619:d:4994
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Asadullah, Mohammad Niaz & Chaudhury, Nazmul, 2008. "Poisoning the mind : arsenic contamination and cognitive achievement of children," Policy Research Working Paper Series 4510, The World Bank.
    2. Paul, Bimal Kanti, 2004. "Arsenic contamination awareness among the rural residents in Bangladesh," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 59(8), pages 1741-1755, October.
    3. Zierold, K.M. & Knobeloch, L. & Anderson, H., 2004. "Prevalence of chronic diseases in adults exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(11), pages 1936-1937.
    4. Argos, M. & Parvez, F. & Chen, Y. & Hussain, A.Z.M.I. & Momotaj, H. & Howe, G.R. & Graziano, J.H. & Ahsan, H., 2007. "Socioeconomic status and risk for arsenic-related skin lesions in Bangladesh," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(5), pages 825-831.
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    2. Chinmayi Srikanth & Zareena Begum Irfan, 2020. "The Role of Feminist Political Ecology (FPE) Framework in Studying How Gender and Natural Resources are Interlinked: The Case of Women in the Aftermath of Bangladesh’s Arsenic Contamination," Working Papers 2019-189, Madras School of Economics,Chennai,India.
    3. Hoda Fakour & Tsair-Fuh Lin, 2014. "Effect of Humic Acid on As Redox Transformation and Kinetic Adsorption onto Iron Oxide Based Adsorbent (IBA)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-27, October.
    4. Chowdhury, Shyamal & Singh, Prachi, 2023. "Information Campaign on Arsenic Poisoning: Unintended Consequences in Marriage Market," IZA Discussion Papers 16214, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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