ARSENIC: A Review on Exposure Pathways, Accumulation, Mobility and Transmission into the Human Food Chain

Abstract

This review deals with exposure pathways of arsenic (As), as well as its transfer and uptake processes from its source to the human body. It is proven fact that uptake of inorganic As for a long period can lead to chronic As poisoning and a variety of adverse health effects such as skin, lung and bladder cancer, in addition to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and gastrointestinal symptoms. As exposure occurs primarily from consumption of potable water containing high amounts of inorganic As and also from consumption of crops cultivated in As contaminated agricultural fields-either naturally or anthropogenically through contaminated air or pesticides-or irrigated with As containing water. In this review, light is shed on the transfer mechanism of As through the food chain and the parameters that enhance mobility of As in the environment. Amounts of As accumulation in plants and the transfer mechanisms are also quite different. These differences in As accumulation, such as in leaves, stems, fruits and roots, are discussed in detail. Moreover, presence of As in some vegetables consumed is given by investigating recent research articles that deal with As concentrations, especially in edible parts. Some comparative data are also presented, concerning the level of concentration of As in rice during washing, cooking and processing stages.

The Journey of Arsenic from Soil to Grain in Rice

“…These factors contribute to As accumulation in rice grains in quantities greater than recommended safe limits (Zhao et al, 2010). The situation becomes of even grave concern considering the very high rice consumption rate in As contaminated South east Asian countries ranging from 250 to 650 g of rice per day per person (Arslan et al, 2017). It is imperative to understand the mechanisms of As uptake and translocation by rice (Li et al, 2011).…”

Exposure to Arsenite in CD-1 Mice during Juvenile and Adult Stages: Effects on Intestinal Microbiota and Gut-Associated Immune Status

“…In 2016, FDA proposed an action level of 100 ppb for iAs (inorganic arsenic) in infant rice products (5). Larger amounts of arsenic are known to be associated with gastrointestinal disturbance and other adverse effects (6)(7)(8). These adverse health hazards could include cancer or other health disorders (5,7,(9)(10)(11)(12).…”

Air Pollution and Public Health: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review

“…To date, the IARC has assessed that As 3+ /As 5+ , Cr 3+ /Cr 6+ , Cd 2+ and Ni 2+ are carcinogens (I group) [48], while other heavy metals (Pb 2+ , Mn 2+ , Hg 2+ ) damage target organs after long-term intake [49,50]. Arsenic mono-and dimethylated compounds (respectively MMA and DMA) and other arsenic organic compounds do not seem to be as dangerous [51]. Our investigations indicated that populations living around industrial area have higher intakes and higher urinary excretion levels of these heavy metals with respect to the non-exposed general population.…”