Sources of Arsenic Exposure in Well-Nourished Children

Abstract

Arsenic contamination is a global burden and arsenicosis is mostly found in poor children living in highly exposed area. However, recent evidences suggest that continuous low-level exposure of arsenic can also link with some health hazards. Therefore, this book chapter will describe the potential exposure sources of arsenic in the context of healthy, well-nourished children who lived in non-polluted area. Prevalence, biomarkers and factors affecting arsenic exposure in well-nourished children will be described based on current scientific evidences. Sources of As exposure in well-nourished children including environmental, dietary sources and the relationship between both sources of arsenic will be discussed. Reference level/ safety limit of exposure from multiple sources of arsenic will be summarized. Methods of exposure assessment will be described. Furthermore, several perspectives for future research will be addressed such as the need for establishment of cut-off level to categorize high As exposure group, data collection method for estimation of dietary exposure to As, identification of underrepresented sources of As in well-nourished children and strategies to raise awareness and create sustainable preventive measures of arsenic contamination.