A new Columbia University study reveals that even low levels of arsenic in Assam’s drinking water significantly raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases, highlighting a pressing public health issue in the region.
Guwahati:A recent study from Columbia University has raised serious concerns about the connection between arsenic in drinking water and an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly ischemic heart disease (IHD). This is especially alarming for Assam, where arsenic contamination in groundwater has been a persistent problem, affecting a large segment of the population. The study indicates that health risks can arise even when arsenic levels are below the regulatory threshold of 10 micrograms per liter (μg/L).According to the Central Ground Water Board, arsenic levels exceeding the safety limit of 0.01 mg/L have been found in 19 districts across Assam, including Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Golaghat. This issue is not isolated to Assam; multiple states in India, such as Bihar, Gujarat, and West Bengal, are also facing groundwater contamination challenges.The findings of the study are particularly pertinent in India, where permissible arsenic levels were revised from 0.05 mg/L to 0.01 mg/L in 2015. Dr. Tamorish Kole, chair of the Clinical Practice Committee of the International Federation for Emergency Medicine, noted that even a 10-year exposure to arsenic at concentrations as low as 5 μg/L significantly increases the risk of ischemic heart disease among women.The Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) indicates that approximately 1,800 rural communities in India are affected by arsenic, with around 23.98 lakh people at risk. West Bengal has the highest number of arsenic-affected habitations, but Assam also reports significant contamination, with 290 affected areas.Historically, arsenic exposure has been associated with cancers, particularly of the skin and bladder. However, this new research highlights its detrimental impact on cardiovascular health, suggesting that mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammation may contribute to heart disease. Dr. Kole emphasized that arsenic could damage blood vessels, promote plaque buildup, and impair heart function over time.A recent Parliamentary Committee report has echoed these concerns, indicating that widespread groundwater contamination with arsenic and other heavy metals is leading to serious health issues, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The committee has called for urgent research into effective methods for eliminating these contaminants from groundwater, emphasizing collaboration between various governmental departments.To combat this public health crisis, the committee has recommended prioritizing and funding research initiatives focused on arsenic and heavy metal removal from water supplies. Assam, with its significant arsenic levels, stands to benefit greatly from these targeted efforts, as many residents rely on contaminated groundwater for their drinking water.This study and the subsequent report underscore the necessity for a comprehensive response to arsenic contamination in India’s groundwater. Potential solutions include public education campaigns about the dangers of arsenic, installing filtration systems in affected areas, and promoting alternative water sources.As the connection between arsenic exposure and cardiovascular health becomes increasingly clear, it is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and local communities to unite in addressing this urgent health threat.
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