Evaluation of socio-economic impact of arsenic contamination in Bangladesh

Abstract

Groundwater arsenic contamination in Bangladesh is reported to be the biggest arsenic disaster in the world in terms of the affected population. Arsenic contamination in groundwater is recognized as the major threats to drinking water and is being the key environmental health problem of 21st century. In Bangladesh Arsenic was first detected in Chapai Nawabgonj, in 1993; since then higher levels of arsenic (exceeding the WHO standard of 0.01 mg/L and Bangladesh standard of 0.05 mg/L) have been identified in various regions of the country. Seventy five million people are at risk and 24 million are potentially exposed to arsenic contamination. From various research works conducted at government and non-government levels and examination of the patients affected with Arsenic pollution, it has been clear that the groundwater of Bangladesh is being contaminated with Arsenic since long period of time. The main consideration of our work is to asses the socio-economic impact on arsenic victims particularly earning male family member, young male, married female, and young female going to be married. The relationship between Arsenicosis and social, educational status was also determined in order to understand the financial influence of arsenic. Key words: Arsenic, socio-economic status, arsenicosis, groundwater.