[Chronic endemic regional hydroarsenicism: a challenge for diagnosis and prevention].
Arsenic (As) is a semimetal that is widely distributed in nature, in water and soil. In Argentine, the contamination of both waterways and groundwater represents the main environmental problem caused by this element. Chronic As poisoning is known as Chronic endemic regional hydroarsenicism (C.E.R.HA.). Long-term exposure to low concentrations of the element from the prenatal period onward results in the well-known symptoms of chronic As poisoning. CERHA develops progressively, compromising different organs and systems, most importantly the skin. One of the most important complications of CERHA is de development of neoplasias, mainly skin tumors. Childhood environmental health is a challenge in the new millennium and health care professionals play a fundamental role in the protection against environmental hazards such as chronic arsenic poisoning.
Marisa
Gaioli
G
Consultorio externo de Clínica, Hospital de Pediatría Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan. mgaioli@gmail.com
González
Daniel E
DE
Amoedo
Diego
D
D001118:Argentina; D020261:Arsenic Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000506:poisoning*
D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical