Arsenic exposure in children

Arsenic is a human carcinogen and neurotoxicant. Consumption of arsenic-contaminated groundwater is a major source of human exposure worldwide. Groundwater contamination, most of it from natural sources, has been reported in regions of South Asia and Taiwan as well as South and North America among others. Exposure commonly occurs through diet, including rice and rice products fed to babies and young children. Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic in early development, especially exposure in utero, is associated with neurodevelopmental, respiratory, cardiovascular reproductive, and long-term cancer outcomes. Prevention of exposure to arsenic in well water can be achieved via comprehensive well testing, promotion of switching to uncontaminated wells, provision of filtration devices, and utilization of deeper aquifers that are low in arsenic. Agricultural and food processing practices along with dietary choices can limit arsenic exposure via diet. Such interventions combined with policy and practice actions are urgently needed to protect children lifelong.