Effects of arsenic on child health in arsenic prone areas of South 24 Parganas in West Bengal
Paramita Chaudhuri
Research Project Associate, Dept. of Civil Engg., Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
Subhabrata Mahapatra
Research Project Associate, Dept. of Civil Engg., Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
Pritam Aitch
Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil Engg., Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
Amit Dutta
Professor, Dept. of Civil Engg., Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
Published online:30 June, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/lbsopf.2024.e02.010
Keywords: arsenic, tubewells, primary school, children, Hazard Quotient, Intelligence Quotient
Abstract:
Arsenic contamination in groundwater has been considered as the largest public health concern in the human history around the globe. India is one of the most arsenic affected regions among them. South 24 Parganas is a densely populated district of West Bengal. The shallow and deep aquifers of the district have been treated as drinking water sources for millions of people and the range of arsenic concentration in that drinking water sources was observed from 0 to 3200 μg/L. The provisional guideline value set by WHO (2018) for arsenic in drinking water is 10 μg/L. Long term ingestion of arsenic contaminated water more than the permissible limit can cause chronic arsenic induced illnesses among the population. While the adverse effects of arsenic induced illnesses are well documented among the adult population, a little is known about the consequences on child health. Arsenic contaminated tubewells located at the primary school premises have been considered as one of the prime source of arsenic contamination among the child population. The present study was done on the basis of the concerned situation of arsenic contamination in groundwater and its associated health risks among child population (6-10 years). Hazard Quotient (HQ) more than 1 was found in 99% primary school going children indicating that there is a risk to develop adverse non carcinogenic effects among the child population. Early exposure to arsenic can reduce the Intelligence Quotient (IQ), cognitive development and neurobehavioral function over the life time of a child. As there is no specific treatment method for arsenic induced illnesses, consumption of arsenic free water will be the only way to get rid from the problem.
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Science: An Overview and Prospects for the Future Volume: 2
How to Cite
Paramita Chaudhuri, Subhabrata Mahapatra, Pritam Aitch & Amit Dutta (2024). Effects of arsenic on child health in arsenic prone areas of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. © International Academic Publishing House (IAPH), Dr. Somnath Das, Dr. Latoya Appleton, Dr. Jayanta Kumar Das, Madhumita Das (eds.), Life as Basic Science: An Overview and Prospects for the Future Volume: 2, pp. 116-130. ISBN: 978-81-969828-6-7
Doi: https://doi.org/10.52756/lbsopf.2024.e02.010
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