1. Columbia University’s recent study finds that even low levels of arsenic in drinking water can significantly raise cardiovascular disease risk.
2. The risk remains high even when arsenic levels are below the regulatory limit of 10 μg/L.
3. This poses a serious health concern for Assam, where groundwater arsenic contamination has impacted large communities for years.
Guwahati, Nov 04: A recent study by Columbia University has revealed that arsenic exposure in drinking water may greatly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, even at levels below the 10 μg/L regulatory limit.
This is particularly alarming for Assam, where arsenic contamination in groundwater has been a long-standing issue affecting large populations.
Data from the Central Ground Water Board shows arsenic levels exceeding the safety threshold of 0.01 mg/L across 19 districts in Assam, including Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Golaghat.
The findings are crucial, as they show heart disease risks linked to arsenic exposure as low as 5 μg/L, which is half the regulatory limit in India. Dr. Tamorish Kole from the International Federation for Emergency Medicine explains that even minimal exposure can heighten ischemic heart disease risks, particularly among women exposed for a decade or more.
Arsenic’s health impacts have traditionally been associated with cancers, but this study highlights serious cardiovascular risks. Arsenic exposure can lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular damage, all of which contribute to heart disease over time.
Arsenic contamination isn’t limited to Assam. Other states like Bihar, Punjab, and West Bengal also struggle with this issue, affecting nearly 24 lakh people in rural areas according to the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. West Bengal, in particular, has the highest number of affected regions.
In response, a Parliamentary Committee report chaired by BJP MP Vivek Thakur has urged the prioritization of research to eliminate arsenic, fluoride, and heavy metals from groundwater.
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The report stresses collaboration among the Departments of Science and Technology, Health Research, and Higher Education to develop solutions and promote safe water sources in affected regions.
These efforts could greatly benefit Assam and other arsenic-affected states, as millions relying on groundwater face serious health risks.
Immediate measures, such as public awareness campaigns, arsenic filtration systems, and alternative water sources, are essential.
With this study underscoring the link between arsenic exposure and heart disease, a unified approach involving researchers, policymakers, and local communities is critical to addressing this health crisis and safeguarding public health.
