Arsenic Problem and Its Remedies

Author: Syed Ashraful Islam
(Copyright Reserved)

Arsenic is a fundamental element. Its symbol is (As). At present, in some certain regions, especially in the southwestern region of Bangladesh arsenic problem has become a great crisis. Arsenic problem mainly means the presence of arsenic in edible water more than our need.

Origin and Causes of the Problem:
Arsenic is a complementary element of the ground water. It remains in the soil and the layers of the underlying sediments. If for any reason the water table goes downward then the air enters the portion of the sediments that became exposed. After this the oxygen of the air reacts with the arsenic presents in these sedimentary layers and forms the compound arsenite (symbol As2O3). Later on when the water table again goes upward, then the water submerged those sedimentay layers. As a result the newly formed arsenite get resolved in the water. And the problem arises when this water is extracted and used to drink or for agricultural purpose.

Problems Regarding Health Issues:
Arsenic is harmful for us not only when it occurs in the drinking water but also when it avails in the water used for irrigation in the agricultural field. Because, crops and fruits, which are produced by the plants that absorb the arsenic contaminated water, also contain access arsenic.
Some kinds of bone and skin disease occur when arsenic contaminated water or foods are consumed. The most common of these diseases is called arsenicosis. A person can easily recover this disease again if he/she drinks arsenic-free water, or water containing arsenic within the tolerable limit of the human body.
Note that arsenic contaminated water does not have any impact upon different household works e.g. washing, bathe, laundering etc.

Social Problem
Arsenic problem has now created a great impact on the society. For this reason different non-government and voluntary as well as the government organizations are conducting various activities regularly to reticulate the problem. They are explaining to the people the demerits of this problem.Even they are teaching the easier ways of remedies. As a result, people affected by arsenic problem are not hated in the society. Though the marriage of an arsenic affected woman is not recognized socially, being got proper knowledge about arsenic problem people are now arranging to rescue them from that problem.

Prevention and Alternative Measures:
Arsenic problem is not a short time problem. To reduce the problem, long term sustainable preventive measures must be taken by the Government efforts. At present rain water can be used for a certain period to use as edible water and for preparing foods as an alternative measure.

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