Arsenic-Cancer risk surges in Bangladesh, where a precarious amalgamation of rising sea levels, flooding, and chronic arsenic poisoning poses a dire health crisis, according to research. This analysis explores how the climate crisis intensifies cancer risk through contaminated well water, imperilling millions of lives.
Rising Sea Levels and Flooding
The climate crisis in Bangladesh intensifies the risk of cancer due to contaminated well water. Scientists predict that sea level rises and unpredictable flooding will accelerate the release of dangerous levels of arsenic into the drinking water.
Existing Public Health Crisis
Already facing a public health crisis, millions in Bangladesh suffer from skin, bladder, and lung cancers due to arsenic poisoning. This stems from well-intentioned deep tube well programs initiated in the 1970s. Chronic Arsenic poisoning from drinking water is a significant and real problem.
“Chronic arsenic poisoning from drinking water is a real problem, not a theoretical exercise”
– Dr Seth Frisbie, An Emeritus Professor, Norwich University
Origins of Arsenic Contamination
In 1993, the first case of chronic arsenic poisoning from well water emerged in Bangladesh. Later deemed the “largest mass poisoning of a population in history” by the World Health Organization. Dr Seth Frisbie, a lead researcher and professor explained that naturally occurring arsenic from the Himalayas accumulates in sediments washed down by rivers like the Ganges and Mekong.
Chronic Arsenic Poisoning Effects
Chronic arsenic poisoning can lead to cancer due to internal deposits. In 49% of areas of Bangladesh, contamination exceeds WHO limits, with alarming concentrations recorded. Chronic arsenic poisoning leads to a buildup of arsenic inside the body. Externally, it shows through keratinisation of the skin on the palms and the soles of the feet. Internally, deposits gather in the lungs and other organs, causing cancers.
Alarming Statistics
Dr Frisbie estimates that approximately 78 million Bangladeshis are exposed to arsenic, with a conservative estimate suggesting around 900,000 are expected to die from lung and bladder cancer.
Climate Breakdown Aggravates the Issue
Climate breakdown exacerbates the crisis as rising sea levels increase flooding vulnerability, leaching more arsenic from sediment. Bangladesh faces a compounded health crisis as the climate worsens severe arsenic contamination, threatening millions of lives.
Bangladesh is facing a serious health crisis as climate change worsens arsenic contamination. The government must act now to protect millions from chronic arsenic poisoning causing skin, bladder, and lung cancers due to contaminated drinking water.
