Arsenic in drinking water and child development. Continued activities 2005-2007

Understanding the dynamics of arsenic exposure, developmental and cognitive function in children

Arsenic is a potent toxicant and carcinogen. The health effects of arsenic among adults have been well documented, but effects in children have rarely been studied. There are case reports of skin lesions in children drinking water with elevated arsenic levels, and a few reports suggesting effects on growth and development. However, the database is not sufficient to conclude that arsenic poses a serious threat to health and development early in life. We propose to follow 2500 children whose prenatal arsenic exposure and nutrition were studied for assessment of the impact of arsenic exposure on child growth and psychomotor development (their cognitive abilities and learning achievements). Childhood exposure to arsenic will be assessed based on arsenic concentrations in urine (collected at 4 years of age), water (water As linked to HDSS). Growth (weight, height, arm and head circumference) and psychomotor development and behaviour will be measured at school age (4 years), using standardized procedures. Considering the public health importance of toxic effects imposed during the early life stages, it is clear that much more scientific efforts should be made to elucidate the possible effects of arsenic on young children. This project will further contribute using the well-established arsenic health database of health and demographic surveillance system at Matlab and trained health personnel of ICDDR, B to address these issues.