title: Prevalence of arsenic-related skin lesions in 53 widely-scattered villages of Bangladesh: an ecological survey.
abstract: A survey was carried out to provide a representative assessment of prevalence and risk of arsenic-related skin lesions in relation to geographical distribution of arsenic in wells of rural Bangladesh as a necessary background for research into effects in pregnancy and cancer risks. A systematic random sample of 53 villages in four divisions of Bangladesh served by Gonoshasthaya Kendra was selected, and all women aged 18 years or more (n=16,740) were listed. Trained paramedics recorded the presence of skin thickening and nodules on the palms and soles, together with information on tubewell use. The prevalence was related to the mean concentration of arsenic for the district as indicated by data from the British Geological Survey and to the date the first well in the village was installed. Overall, the observed prevalence was 176 cases (1.3%) in 13,705 women examined, varying from 0% in 26 villages to 23% in one; lesions were observed more frequently on hands than on feet. The estimate doubled with concentrations of arsenic from 11 to < or =50 microg/L and increased more than 20 times at >50 microg/L. In the absence of further information, priority for control measures should be directed at areas where the average concentrations of arsenic are above 50 microg/L, especially in villages where skin lesions have been identified.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK.
authors.forename: Corbett
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McDonald
authors.forename: Rezaul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hoque
authors.forename: Nazmul
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Huda
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Cherry
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001151:Arsenic / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D020261:Arsenic Poisoning / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D001459:Bangladesh / Q000453:epidemiology; D004463:Ecology; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007642:Keratosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016387:Women's Health
chemical_list: D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D001151:Arsenic