Posted inCurrent Affairs
Columbia University Study Links Long-Term Arsenic Exposure to Increased Cardiovascular Disease Risk
A recent study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health has revealed that long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water may significantly raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, even at levels below the federal regulatory limit of 10 µg/L. The findings are particularly pertinent for India, where arsenic contamination affects 152 districts across 21 states, with states like West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar showing the highest concentrations. The Bureau of Indian Standards has previously lowered the permissible arsenic limit in drinking water to 0.01 mg/L; however, the study highlights that risks of ischemic heart disease (IHD) are notably higher among women exposed to average levels of 5 µg/L. The research calls for stricter regulations, vigilant monitoring, and public health initiatives to address arsenic contamination, emphasizing the urgent need for further research and interventions in affected regions to mitigate health risks associated with this toxic substance.