Water contamination due to arsenic and nitrates and their health implications - research studies

Water contamination due to arsenic

Protective effects of B-vitamins and antioxidants on the risk of arsenic-related skin lesions in Bangladesh is a research study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives Journal, that reveals that the intake of B-vitamins and anti-oxidants, can reduce the risk to arsenic-related skin lesions in Bangladesh. The study is relevant to India as well, as the major arsenic-affected region in the country is West Bengal, adjacent to Bangladesh.

Water contamination due to nitrates

Nitrate/nitrite contamination is a potentially serious problem for India today, after flouride and arsenic. Nitrate/nitrite contamination occurs largely through the mixing of fertiliser run-off and sewage with water meant for human use. New research reveals that nitrate/nitrite contamination can cause severe human health problems including cancer.

Below are two research papers from the Environment Health Perspectives (EHP) Journal, written in the context of the United States, that give an idea of nitrate/nitrite contamination and their impact on human health.

Workgroup report: drinking water nitrate and health- recent findings and research needs  is a review published in the journal  Environmental Health Perspectives

A review of nitrates in drinking water: maternal exposure and adverse contents reproductive and developmental outcomes is a review published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives