Chronic arsenic toxicity and it's relation with nutritional status: A Case Study in Purabasthali-II, Burdwan, West Bengal, India

Arsenic is a major environmental pollutant and exposure through environmental, occupational and medicinal sources. Exposure through drinking water is major public health problem affecting most of the areas of our states, one such arsenic affected area is Purabasthali blockII, Burdwan, West Bengal, India. Reviewed of literature indicates that the chronic arsenic exposure increased risk for various forms of cancer and numerous noncancerous effects including diabetes, skin diseases, chronic cough, and toxic effects on liver, kidney, cardiovascular system, and peripheral and central nervous systems. Present survey also shows similar diseases pattern mostly skin disease and hair falling along with other symptoms. The situation is particularly severe in places where low socioeconomics status, poor literacy and malnutrition are predominant. Early stage of detection and enhancement of awareness and subsequent improvement of nutritional status can help to relief to the affected population. The present article deals with the arsenic predominance and also establishes the relation between water depth and intensity at arsenic toxicities, subsequently their detoxification through normal balance diet.