Acute arsenic intoxication from environmental arsenic exposure.
Reports of acute arsenic poisoning arising from environmental exposure are rare. Two cases of acute arsenic intoxication resulting from ingestion of contaminated well water are described. These patients experienced a variety of problems: acute gastrointestinal symptoms, central and peripheral neurotoxicity, bone marrow suppression, hepatic toxicity, and mild mucous membrane and cutaneous changes. Although located adjacent to an abandoned mine, the well water had been tested for microorganisms only and was found to be "safe." Regulations for testing of water from private wells for fitness to drink are frequently nonexistent, or only mandate biologic tests for microorganisms. Well water, particularly in areas near mining activity, should be tested for metals.
Franzblau
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A
Division of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York.
Lilis
R
R
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D001151:Arsenic / Q000652:urine; D020261:Arsenic Poisoning; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014881:Water Supply
D014873:Water Pollutants; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D001151:Arsenic