World Concern about Arsenic in Drinking Water and WHO's Response

Abstract

Arsenic in drinking water has become a world concern in such areas like Bangladesh and West Bengal (India). Many of the problems result from mobilization of groundwater contaminated by arsenic under natural conditions. Until recently, arsenic was often not on the list of constituents in drinking water routinely analyzed by laboratories in many countries; the presence of arsenic in drinking water was not as well known as for many other drinking-water constituents. Through the international experts' efforts on understanding the causes of the problem, some of the key factors of contamination have become consensus; such efforts include the comparison of similar arsenic groundwater problems that are found all over the world. World distribution of groundwater arsenic problems is introduced in this report according to the geochemical conditions. The United Nation's synthesis report on arsenic in drinking water has been prepared as a primer to those who tackle with the problem. In arsenic problem areas, detailed studies should be undertaken to provide a sounder basis for understanding the causes of the problem and its variation in space and time, which would be helpful to promote effective mitigation measures. Further efforts of international experts are essential, including for the development of reliable field testing method.