A Columbia University study has uncovered that arsenic exposure in drinking water can significantly increase cardiovascular disease risk, even at levels below the regulatory limit of 10 micrograms per liter (μg/L). This research is vital for Assam, where long-standing groundwater arsenic contamination threatens a significant portion of the population.
Data from the Central Ground Water Board reveals that 19 districts in Assam, including Sivasagar and Kamrup, have arsenic levels surpassing the safety threshold of 0.01 mg/L. The situation extends beyond Assam, affecting states like Bihar and West Bengal, which face similar groundwater contamination issues.
The study’s findings stress increased cardiovascular risks at arsenic exposure as low as 5 μg/L, highlighting the critical need for revised safety standards. Dr. Tamorish Kole noted that prolonged exposure, even at half the U.S. and Indian regulatory limits, raises ischemic heart disease risk.
India’s Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation identifies roughly 1,800 rural habitations critically affected by arsenic, impacting nearly 23.98 lakh people. Historically linked to cancers, arsenic’s health impacts now include cardiovascular threats, likely due to oxidative stress and inflammation.
A Parliamentary Committee report flagged the widespread contamination of groundwater by arsenic and heavy metals, contributing to severe health issues like cancer and diabetes. Chaired by BJP MP Vivek Thakur, the committee recommends urgent research to remove such contaminants.
To tackle this public health crisis, the committee urged the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Health Research to prioritize and fund initiatives targeting groundwater contamination. Assam stands to benefit significantly from such interventions due to its severe contamination levels.
Collaborative efforts among policymakers, researchers, and communities are essential to mitigate arsenic’s health risks, promoting public awareness, and exploring alternative water sources.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/arsenic-in-assams-water-raises-alarm-over-heart-disease-epidemic-1115369-2024-11-04?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2024-11-04 07:55:00
