Epidemiology of chronic disease related to arsenic in Argentina: A systematic review.
Four million people in Argentina are exposed to arsenic contamination from drinking waters of several center-northern provinces. A systematic review to examine the geographical distribution of arsenic-related diseases in Argentina was conducted, searching electronic databases and gray literature up to November 2013. Key informants were also contacted. Of the 430 references identified, 47 (mostly cross-sectional and ecological designs) referred to arsenic concentration in water and its relationship with the incidence and mortality of cancer, dermatological diseases and genetic disorders. A high percentage of the water samples had arsenic concentrations above the WHO threshold value of 10μg/L, especially in the province of Buenos Aires. The median prevalence of arsenicosis was 2.6% in exposed areas. The proportion of skin cancer in patients with arsenicosis reached 88% in case-series from the Buenos Aires province. We found higher incidence rate ratios per 100μg/L increment in inorganic arsenic concentration for colorectal, lung, breast, prostate and skin cancer, for both genders. Liver and skin cancer mortality risk ratios were higher in regions with medium/high concentrations than in those with low concentrations. The relative risk of mortality by skin cancer associated to arsenic exposure in the province of Buenos Aires ranged from 2.5 to 5.2. In the north of this province, high levels of arsenic in drinking water were reported; however, removal interventions were scarcely documented. Arsenic contamination in Argentina is associated with an increased risk of serious chronic diseases, including cancer, showing the need for adequate and timely actions.
Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Electronic address: abardach@iecs.org.ar.
Ariel Esteban
AE
Bardach
Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Agustin
A
Ciapponi
Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Natalie
N
Soto
Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Martin R
MR
Chaparro
Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Maria
M
Calderon
Hospital Italiano, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Agustina
A
Briatore
Foro Estratégico para el Desarrollo Nacional, Argentina.
Norma
N
Cadoppi
Foro Estratégico para el Desarrollo Nacional, Argentina.
Roberto
R
Tassara
National Atomic Energy Commission, National Scientific and Technical Research Council, Argentina.
Marta I
MI
Litter
D000328:Adult; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D001151:Arsenic; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D001151:Arsenic
Argentina; Arsenic; Cancer; Epidemiology; Health