Clinical epidemiological studies on endemic chronic arsenic poisoning in children and adults, including observations on children with high- and low-intake of dietary arsenic
Article
Zaldivar, R, Ghai, GL. (1980). Clinical epidemiological studies on endemic chronic arsenic poisoning in children and adults, including observations on children with high- and low-intake of dietary arsenic
. 170(5-6), 409-421.
Zaldivar, R, Ghai, GL. (1980). Clinical epidemiological studies on endemic chronic arsenic poisoning in children and adults, including observations on children with high- and low-intake of dietary arsenic
. 170(5-6), 409-421.
Investigations on the arsenic contamination of human environment in the northern provinces of Tarapaca, Antofagasta, and Coquimbo, as well as clinical studies on endemic chronic arsenic poisoning, were made. In Tarapaca Province, the total number of exposed nitrate workers since 1890 was about 30,000. But in Antofagasta and Coquimbo Provinces (1970), the number of exposed persons was 265,000 and 142,000 respectively. In Antofagasta Province, some population groups have been exposed to dietary arsenic for periods up to 41 years. The safety standard of arsenic in drinking water in the Federal Republic of Germany and in the U.S.A. is 0.05 ppm. The Hojalar, Toconce, Loa and Siloli Rivers exhibited a mean of 0.992, 0.940, 0.337 and 0.104 ppm, respectively. Soil samples from Antofagasta Commune exhibited a mean of 4.374 ppm. The mean arsenic levels found in fresh vegetables were partly high: lettuce 0.062, cauliflower 0.070, celery 0.104, and radish 0.100 mg/100 g. In other food items: fresh cow's milk 0.083 ppm, fresh human milk 0.216, vanilla ice cream 0.156, orange juice 0.120, pineapple juice 0.390, spaghetti 0.014 mg/100, and canned mackerel 0.025 mg/100g. The mean levels (ppm) in soft drinks and beer were high in Pepsi Cola (0.265), Ginger-ale (0.275), Bilz (0.275), Fanta (0.250), Coca Cola (0.204), Seltz water (0.291), Pilsner beer (0.553), Escudo (0.388), and Malta (0.484). Almost all the signs and symptoms of chronic arsenic poisoning observed in children at Antofagasta Commune in the 1968-69 period markedly decreased their prevalence in 1972, because of the decrease in the arsenic level of drinking water. The weighted mean arsenic concentration in drinking water at Antofagasta Commune for 1955-1970 (up to 30th April) was 0.5980 ppm. The corresponding level (weighted mean) from 1st June, 1970 to 30th March, 1972 was 0.815 ppm. In May 1970, a Water Filtration Plant went into operation at Salar del Carmen, near Antofagasta. A similar Filtration Plant in July 1978 started operating at Cerro Topater, near Calama. Based on mean age (years) and mean value of arsenic dose (mg/kg body weight/day), a weighted non linear regression model was developed. The non linear regression equation was C = 0.0303 exp (- 0.0257 t) + 0.0720 exp (- 0.2636 t), where C is arsenic concentration expressed as mean dose and t is time expressed as mean age.
