Arsenic Pollution

Arsenic, a fatal and poisonous material, when mixed with water especially tubewell water, causes arsenic pollution. Arsenic is a poisonous white compound of brittle element. Arsenic poisoning occurs when its intake exceeds the limit of tolerance. There are a number of causes of arsenic pollution. Due to some chemical reactions taking place in the underground, the metal arsenic changes into liquid arsenic and pollutes the underground water when extracted via tubewell. Excessive use of tubewell water is also another cause of arsenic pollution. Arsenic poisoning becomes chronic when a small amount of it enters a body repeatedly. It is then converted into less toxic form in the liver and exerted with urine. Arsenic has got some life threatening effects. Arsenic badly affects different parts of the body such as skin, heart, stomach, liver, kidney and bone. It can cause the skin to peel off and can bring about rapid hair loss. Long term poisoning may cause even death. Constant itching, cough and ophthalmia are also signs of arsenic attack. Public awareness and identification of arsenic affected tubewells may avert arsenic pollution to some extent. (Words : 184)