Chronic Arsenic Exposure and Risk of Infant Mortality in Two Areas of Chile

Abstract

Chronic arsenic exposure has been aociated with a range of neurologic, vascular, dermatologic, and carcinogenic effects. However, limited research has been directed at the association of arenic exposure and human reprodu health outcomes. The principal aim of this study was to investigate the trends in infant mortality between two geographic locations in Chile: Antofagsta, which has a well-documented history of arsenic exposure from naturally contaminated water, and Valparso, a comparable low-exposure city. The arsenic concentration in Antofagsta's public drinking water supply rose substantially in 1958 with the introduction ofa new water source, and remained elevated until 1970. We used a retrospective study design to examine time and location patterns in infant mortality between 1950 and 1996, using univariate statistics, graphical techniques, and Poisson regression analysis. Results of the study document the general declines in late fetal and infant mortality over the study period in both locations. The data also indicate an elevation of the late fetal, neonatal, and postneonatal mortality rates for Antofagasta, relative to Valparaiso, for specific time periods, which generally coincide with the period of highest arsenic concentration in the ddnking water ofAntofagasta Poisson regression analysis yielded an elevated and significant association between arsenic exposure and late fetal mortality [rate ratio (RR)

Evaluación de la frecuencia de espina bífida oculta y su posible relación con el arsénico ambiental en una muestra prehispánica de la Quebrada de Camarones, norte de Chile

“…Además, trae consecuencias a la reproducción humana, ya que puede inducir abortos espontáneos, muerte perinatal, bajo peso al nacer y malformaciones congénitas [12][13] .…”

Remobilization of trace elements by forest fire in Patagonia, Chile

“…Likewise, Pb and Zn concentrations as high as 129 and 1015 mg/kg, respectively, were measured in topsoil at an industrial site in Talcahuano city (36°S), Chile (Tume et al 2008). In addition, high levels of As in soil and water have been documented in some parts of Chile, which was the second largest As producer in the world in 2013 Hopenhayn-Rich et al 2000;Edelstein 2014). …”

Cytogenetic damage and genetic variants in the individuals susceptible to arsenic‐induced cancer through drinking water

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